Congress approves bill to boost US production of computer chips; Sullivan votes no.

Congress on Thursday handed a $280 billion bill to subsidize domestic production of personal computer chips and make investments in science and know-how innovation.

Alaska’s sole vote on the monthly bill was U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan’s. He voted no. His office said he did not have time this 7 days for an job interview on the topic.

Laptop chips are employed in every thing from mobile phones and autos to airplanes and weapons techniques. 

In a new speech on the Senate ground, Sullivan reported the invoice discriminates versus Alaska Native businesses. The 1,054-web page semiconductor monthly bill describes roles for tribal governments and tribal schools. It doesn’t specifically mention Alaska Native businesses.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski was absent for the vote. She analyzed beneficial for COVID not too long ago and was isolating in Alaska this 7 days. She issued a statement saying she would have voted indeed.

“This laws is timely and essential to addressing one of the biggest provide chain challenges we have viewed all through the COVID pandemic,” her statement says. “By supplying incentives and investments to improve domestic protection, we are getting necessary steps to strengthen U.S. financial expansion, protect against long term offer shocks and price tag raises, and shield nationwide security.”

The vote in the Senate was 64-33.

In the Home, the invoice also passed with bipartisan assist. Alaska has not had a agent there due to the fact the dying of Congressman Don Young in March.