Earlier this week, the Biden administration announced the leaders to implement the $50 billion CHIPS and Science Act.

America’s semiconductor production has fallen from 37% of global supply in 1990 to just 12% today. 

The goal of the bill is to improve America’s position as a semiconductor researcher and manufacturer. 

Arizona has become a hot spot for that as Intel has invested $20 billion in a new factory, and Taiwan Semiconductor is building a $12 billion project in north Phoenix. 

Arizona State University hosted an event addressing the need to develop the technology within the United States. 

The event hosted in Washington, D.C., was moderated by ASU President Michael Crow and was attended by Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, Corporate Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer at Intel Bruce Andrews.

“We need that capability here, it’s important for our national security. But also for the national security of our allies like Taiwan. I mean if we were to lose access to their chips, we can’t build our weapon systems.” Kelly said. 

The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to dispense CHIPS and Science Act funds next year.