Column – House Passes PACT, CHIPS and Science Act

Published Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 6:28 PM

Donald McKeechin

guest columnist

The U.S. House of Representatives was on recess last month, but August remains a very busy month for Congress and the Senate, as the Act Honors Promises to Address Comprehensive Toxicology (PACT) Act and the United States (CHIPS) and Science Act We produce semiconductors for

The CHIPS and Science Act brings semiconductor chip manufacturing back to the United States. In doing so, this lowers the cost of goods, boosts domestic production, provides high-paying jobs and alleviates supply chain problems. Companies have already announced about $50 billion in additional investment in chip manufacturing as a result of this law.

We are working hard to ensure Virginia receives its fair share of federal funding and to attract manufacturers looking to build new facilities in Virginia. increase.

The PACT Act was a major achievement in helping brave veterans. This long overdue law puts lives at risk to protect our freedoms and unfortunately for veterans who have been exposed to toxic chemicals while serving our country. We honor our commitment.

The PACT Act expands medical benefits for the millions of soldiers exposed to burns while on duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that up to 3.5 million veterans could benefit from the law.

Last month, I passed the Inflation Reduction Act with my colleagues in the House.

The IRA will take meaningful steps to reduce healthcare and prescription drug costs, fight inflation, reduce the federal deficit, and provide strong investments in the ongoing fight against the climate crisis.

Here in Virginia, your utility bills will drop, your air will be cleaner, and your family will be able to live a healthier life.

I am also proud that the IRA includes the notable environmental justice priorities that I have advocated for since my time as an MP. These include clean energy tax provisions to encourage families to buy electric cars and renovate their homes, urban forestry and tree planting, school bus electrification, and air pollution monitoring and mitigation. .

This law represents the largest federal investment to combat climate change in our nation’s history. There were several provisions in the bill that I would not have supported alone, such as opening up land for drilling and attempts to weaken environmental review laws. But I was still excited about this law and proud to support it.

Finally, I am honored to participate in the forum hosted by the Digital Dialogue Forum. The Digital Dialogue Forum is a bipartisan policy coalition of the world’s leading technology companies. It was a great opportunity to learn about the importance of equal access to high-speed broadband and efforts to eliminate the digital divide.

During my time in Congress, I have worked hard to get more Americans, especially Virginians, connected to affordable, high-speed internet. It included $65 billion to expand broadband infrastructure to historically underserved communities to provide internet. We will continue our efforts to ensure access to affordable and reliable digital infrastructure across the country.

US Congressman Donald McKeechin (D-Va.) represents Suffolk in the US House of Representatives. He can be reached at Lena.Jacobson@mail.house.gov.