The Senate approved by a large majority a bill to allocate around 250,000 million dollars to technological development in the country over the next five years, in order to increase competitiveness against China.
With 68 votes in favor and 32 against, the law that is expected to meet the technological and industrial challenge posed by China proved to
be one of the few legislative issues on which Republicans and Democrats agree
.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and 18 other of his co-religionists voted in favor of the bipartisan measure.
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The package includes
50,000 million dollars for
the Department of Commerce to encourage
the development and manufacture of semiconductors
, through grants and projects approved by Congress.
As well as innovation in other emerging technologies.
The microchip shortage that caused the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the United States' dependence on microcircuits produced in China, which partly explains the sense of urgency of lawmakers.
President Joe Biden holds a semiconductor chip in this Feb. 24, 2021, file photo.REUTERS
In 1990 the United States produced about 37% of all the chips consumed in the world, currently it only manufactures 12%.
"It's a simple premise, if we want American workers and businesses to continue to lead the world, the federal government must invest in science, basic research, and innovation, just as we did for decades after World War II," he said. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York.
Experts are concerned about the vulnerability of the system that took important websites off the air
June 8, 202100: 27
"Whoever wins the race for the technologies of the future will be the world economic leader with profound consequences for foreign policy and national security
,
" he
added.
McConnel considered that the law was not complete because it did not include some of the proposals of the Republicans, although he ended up voting in favor.
Image of a microchip next to a penny .AP
“Needless to say, the final approval of this law cannot become the Senate's last word on our competition with China.
It will definitely not be my last word, ”said the minority leader.
President Joe Biden celebrated the approval of the proposal: “As other countries continue to invest in its development and their own research,
we cannot afford to be left behind
.
The United States must maintain its position as the most productive and innovative country in the world. "
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The measure will now go to the House of Representatives, where the Science Committee led by Democrats will have to review the Senate version.
If approved, it will be sent to Biden for signature.
With information from The Associated Press.
