87R30551 TBO-F

By: Capriglione H.R. No. 1993

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Semiconductors, often referred to as "integrated circuits" or "microchips," are an essential component of nearly all electronic devices, including cell phones, televisions, computers, automobiles, and advanced medical devices; and

WHEREAS, Texas has been a world leader in the development of semiconductors since 1958, when Texas Instruments engineer Jack Kilby invented the world's first integrated circuit; and

WHEREAS, The semiconductor workforce of Texas is the second largest in the United States, and it is the sixth largest manufacturing sector in Texas, employing 41,500 Texans with an average annual salary of $95,021; and

WHEREAS, The United States' share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity has decreased from 37 percent in 1990 to 12 percent today, despite a global semiconductor shortage that has significantly increased demand; and

WHEREAS, On June 11, 2020, United States Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Michael McCaul introduced the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act or the "CHIPS for America Act," which proposes investments for semiconductor manufacturing facilities, matches funds for local incentives for semiconductor facility construction, and supports semiconductor research and development; and

WHEREAS, On March 31, 2021, President Joseph Biden announced his support for the "CHIPS for America Act," or any proposal to invest $50 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and research; and

WHEREAS, Semiconductor manufacturing and research have played an instrumental role in the economy of both Texas and the United States, and Congress should take swift action to ensure that the nation remains at the forefront of this vital industry; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby respectfully urge the Congress of the United States to pass the "CHIPS for America Act" or any legislation that substantially increases the United States' investments in semiconductor manufacturing and research; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that it be entered into the Congressional record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.