A Monday roundtable on the semiconductor chip shortage featured Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and industry, labor, and state and local government partners.
The roundtable discussion focused on the shortage’s impact on Michigan, especially on auto workers, and how strong funding and collaboration is needed to boost the domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.
Raimondo said the U.S. accounts for 12% of the global production of all semiconductors and none of the most advanced chips.
“If we are serious about increasing American competitiveness, protecting our national security, and hitting President (Joe) Biden’s electric vehicle goals, it is imperative that we reinvest in this critical industry and ensure that more chips are made here at home,” Raimondo said. “I urge the House and Senate to reach agreement quickly on the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, which includes $52 billion for domestic semiconductor production. Doing so will not only make us more competitive on the world stage but will translate into more good-paying jobs for Detroit, the state of Michigan, and the entire country.”
Dingell called Michigan “ground zero” because of the chip shortages’s devastation on the auto industry.
“I’ve talked to the president, my colleagues in Congress, and many cabinet members about this – Secretary Raimondo recognizes the severity of this crisis,” Dingell said. “We must take this head on, especially in the state that put the world on wheels.”
She said the U.S. once produced 37% of the chips in the world.
“Today’s discussion made clear that we need all voices at the table to get this done so we can protect workers, support the auto industry, and boost domestic manufacturing,” Dingell said. “It is why I have introduced legislation on this issue and continue to push for its quick passage – I am committed to working with all involved to bring America’s supply chain back home and keep it here.”
U.S. auto manufacturers point to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage as cause for cutting production, impacting workers and suppliers. Additionally, the Alliance for Auto Innovation found that if the shortage continues, there could be 1.28 million fewer vehicles made in the U.S. in 2021.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for collaboration.
“The chip shortage is impacting 575,000 auto-related jobs and has slowed production in our state and across the nation,” Whitmer said. “We have to take action now, which is why I led a bipartisan group of some of my fellow governors and called on national leaders to take action by passing the CHIPS Act, which would help us create and protect jobs, maintain our competitive edge, and bolster our supply chain. Together, we can grow domestic semiconductor manufacturing and continue leading the future of mobility and electrification.”
Others echoed these sentiments, including Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.); UAW President Ray Curry; Jonathan Jennings, vice president of global commodity purchasing for Ford Motor Company; a General Motors representative; and Marlo Vitous, Stellantis vice president of supply chain.
