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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) voted to pass H.R. 4521, the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (America COMPETES) Act of 2022.

The America COMPETES Act of 2022 addresses inflation and will ensure that America can outcompete any nation in the world by accelerating U.S. production of critical semiconductor chips, strengthening the supply chain to make more goods in America, turbocharging our research capacity to lead the technologies of the future, and advancing our global competitiveness, while supporting strong labor standards and human rights, among other key provisions.

In addition to making transformational new investments in research, innovation and American manufacturing, this bold legislative package includes key provisions authored by Congresswoman Escobar that reflect El Paso’s priorities, including regional job creation, addressing the climate crisis, optimizing land ports of entry, and more.

“With the passage of the America COMPETES Act, I’m taking action to combat inflation, strengthen supply chains, boost American competitiveness, and create good-paying STEM jobs in El Paso and across the country,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “This bold legislative package meets the moment by ensuring that the 21st Century is the American Century: with our talented and diverse workforce and our interests and values standing as a beacon to the world and leading us into the future.”

The America COMPETES Act of 2022 strengthens America’s competitiveness by:

Creating the CHIPS for America Fund
Includes $52 billion for CHIPS for America Act which will incentivize private-sector investments and continued American leadership in semiconductor fabrication and will help address supply chain disruptions and ensure that more semiconductors are produced here at home.

Strengthening the Supply Chain & American Manufacturing
Authorizes $45 billion to improve our nation’s supply chains and strengthen our economy and national security by preventing shortages of critical goods and ensuring that more of these goods are made right here in the United States. Additionally, Congresswoman Escobar successfully included a provision to support small businesses in economically disadvantaged areas like El Paso with the Solar Component Manufacturing Supply Chain Assistance program.

Advancing American Scientific Research, Technology & Innovation Excellence
Makes major new solutions-driven investments in every aspect of innovation and scientific research, making the kind of investments that will lead to breakthrough discoveries. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 also includes a provision authored by Congresswoman Escobar to ensure scientific research, technology, and innovation are deployed to ensure the U.S. achieves carbon dioxide emission reduction targets for 2025 and 2030. Additionally, she included provisions that would foster technology deployment in ports of entry and at the southern border, addressing irregular migration and promoting safe and efficient travel and trade at El Paso’s ports of entry. 

Securing America’s Global Competitiveness & Leadership Through Economic Development; Diplomacy, Human Rights & Alliances 
Includes numerous provisions to strengthen and promote America’s leadership around the globe, including in such areas as investing in partnerships and alliances, investing in standing up for America’s values, expanding our investments in diplomacy, and promoting human rights.

The America COMPETES Act of 2022 also includes provisions authored by Congresswoman Escobar fostering U.S. engagement with the leaders of the Western Hemisphere to address the region’s shared challenges and opportunities, promoting collaboration with allies and partners to ensure a level playing field exists when it comes to climate action, and combating foreign interference in American elections. 

A comprehensive summary of the provisions in the America COMPETES Act of 2022 is available here and a video of Congresswoman Escobar’s floor remarks commending passage of this legislation is available here.