Weber Times

On July 30, 2024, Congressman Blake Moore introduced the Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation aimed at advancing U.S. semiconductor research and development initiatives by creating an investment tax credit for semiconductor design expenditures. Congressman Moore was joined in introducing this legislation by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA). Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party are original cosponsors, along with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY).

“Semiconductors are the lynchpin to the technologies of the future in countless sectors, from health care to defense to energy, and they are critical to U.S. national security and global competitiveness,” said Congressman Moore. “I am proud to introduce the STAR Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues to create an investment incentive to enhance U.S. leadership in chip design and maintain a secure value chain for these innovations.”

“U.S. production of semiconductor chips is an economic and national security imperative, which is why I authored the CHIPS for America Act — to decrease our reliance on other countries for these critical assets,” said Chairman McCaul. “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan STAR Act to build on that success, further bolstering our national security and bringing high-paying jobs to our communities. The chip revolution is the greatest technological advancement since the Manhattan Project, and I look forward to cementing the United States as the global leader in semiconductor research and design.”

“Semiconductors are critical to our economy, powering everything from cars to cellphones. Congress made great strides forward with the passage of the Chips & Science Act, but we need to continue investing in domestic chip production to ensure that America remains a global leader in this critical economic and national security technology,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “The bipartisan legislation we’re introducing today will support further semiconductor research and workforce development, strengthen our economic security, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, all while creating good-paying jobs in our communities.”

“As we roll out the transformative investments of the CHIPS Act, we have a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for generational leadership in semiconductor innovation and job creation,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “But for lasting American progress, we need to revitalize the entire supply chain: from semiconductor design through manufacturing. This legislation will supercharge high-wage jobs in semiconductor design which are vital for the California economy. In tandem with CHIPS Act investments, these tools will continue to secure American’s position as the global pacesetter for innovation.”

“This legislation will help America’s tech sector maintain its leading role and ensure our national security is protected. Our country is best in world-class semiconductor innovation, and today’s bill will help level playing field for American companies competing against Chinese Communist Party’s state subsidies theft of American intellectual property,” said Chairman Moolenaar.

“As semiconductors increasingly drive future global economy essential United States strengthens domestic industry including research development capacity providing incentives investments American R&D bipartisan legislation ensure continued leadership chip design strengthening national economic security,” said Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Background:

Semiconductor design is a research activity aimed at improving how chips process information enabling complex modern technologies. The STAR Act would allow a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design R&D expenditures. Semiconductors drive American technological leadership critical nearly every industry including defense health care energy agriculture transportation countries out-invest United States ensuring IP originates secure.

The text of this legislation can be found here.

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