Kamala Harris/ semiconductor funding cuts/ Mike Johnson GOP/ CHIPS Act funding/ American manufacturing jobs/ Newslooks/ MILWAUKEE/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kamala Harris criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday for suggesting Republicans might cut federal funding for semiconductor manufacturing, saying such cuts would harm American industry. Johnson later clarified, saying Republicans intended to “streamline” the CHIPS and Science Act.
Harris Criticizes GOP Stance on Semiconductor Funding Cuts: Quick Looks
- Harris Rebuke: Harris criticized Speaker Johnson’s indication that GOP could cut semiconductor funding.
- Job Impact: Semiconductor subsidies support union jobs in battleground states like Michigan.
- Johnson’s Response: Johnson later clarified he meant “streamlining” the CHIPS Act funding, not cuts.
- Campaign Stops: Harris continues her rallies in Georgia and North Carolina; Trump plans rallies in North Carolina and Virginia.
Harris Criticizes Speaker Johnson’s Remarks on Semiconductor Aid Cuts
Deep Look
In Milwaukee on Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for his recent remarks indicating that Republicans would likely attempt to reduce federal subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing. Speaking to reporters, Harris emphasized her commitment to bolstering American manufacturing, particularly through continued investments in semiconductor production—a vital industry for the U.S. economy and a source of union-backed jobs in states like Michigan.
It is my plan and intention to continue to invest in American manufacturing,” Harris told reporters in Milwaukee, highlighting her commitment to jobs in high-tech industries and noting that manufacturing jobs had declined under Trump’s previous administration.
Harris’s campaign continued with rallies scheduled in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, while Trump planned stops at two rallies in North Carolina and one in Salem, Virginia—a state he rarely visits as it leans Democratic.
President Joe Biden, who exited the race earlier this year and endorsed Harris, showed his support with a final campaign stop in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. The final stretch of campaigning had tensions running high, illustrated when a Milwaukee reporter accidentally referred to Harris as “Madam President.” Harris quickly tempered the comment, reminding everyone that Election Day was just “three days” away.
After facing backlash for his comments on semiconductor funding, Johnson, R-La., later clarified he only intended to “streamline” the CHIPS and Science Act, not reduce its funding. Harris, however, dismissed his retraction, saying he only backtracked because “their agenda is not popular.” The CHIPS Act, a bipartisan effort, has directed billions toward boosting domestic chip production, supporting union-backed jobs in states like Michigan.
By the time Harris headed to Atlanta, her supporters were already lining up. Marzella and Darrell Pittman canceled weekend plans and drove four hours from Alabama to attend the rally. While Marzella expressed confidence in Harris’s victory, Darrell admitted some hesitation, noting that many young Black men in his community favored Trump and were reluctant to vote for a female president.
“It’s tight, and the other side, they got a lot of our people believing in that side, just like we believe in Kamala,” Darrell explained. Meanwhile, Marzella said, “We have nothing but voting on our mind and we’re talking to everybody.” The Pittmans agreed that this election has “so much on the line,” with Darrell adding, “There’s no way we can let this slip away.”
Another Harris supporter, Carol Hicks, remains optimistic despite working alongside “die-hard Republican coworkers.” Hicks noted that some of her conservative colleagues are voting for Harris because they cannot bring themselves to support Trump. Addressing those undecided because of Harris’s gender, she tells them, “Only weak men can’t stand a strong woman.”
Trump’s supporters are equally enthusiastic in these final days. At a rally in Warren, Michigan, 68-year-old retired policeman Nick Chakur voiced his cautious optimism for a Trump victory, saying turnout would be critical. “Just like sports, you gotta keep going until the whistle stops,” Chakur remarked.
Stephanie Tanzini, 77, who attended the same rally, wore a sparkling denim baseball cap emblazoned with the American flag. Tanzini is preparing for an all-night Election Day watch party, complete with chips, dip, pie, and a bowl of marshmallows for celebrating. “Trump’s going to win this by a landslide,” she said confidently.
As both campaigns sprint toward Tuesday’s finish line, supporters for Harris and Trump are making every moment count, knowing that their efforts could tip the scales in this fiercely contested election.
The CHIPS and Science Act, a bipartisan initiative that has allocated billions of dollars to support domestic semiconductor production, has been a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. The legislation is particularly impactful in battleground states, where the manufacturing sector is critical for economic growth and job stability. Harris pointed to this initiative as essential for building a strong manufacturing base in the U.S. and countering reliance on overseas production.
Following Harris’s criticism, Johnson sought to clarify his stance, saying he had intended to convey that the Republican Party would “streamline” the CHIPS Act rather than implement outright cuts. Johnson explained that the GOP aims to ensure more efficient spending rather than remove funding entirely. Nonetheless, Harris argued that Johnson’s clarification only came after public backlash, suggesting the GOP agenda on manufacturing funding “is not popular” with voters.
Harris’s remarks come as part of a larger push to draw contrasts between her economic agenda and that of the Republicans. With multiple campaign stops scheduled in North Carolina and Georgia, Harris plans to continue emphasizing her support for American manufacturing, a key issue in swing states where union jobs and local industries are heavily affected by federal policy.
Meanwhile, Trump has scheduled rallies in North Carolina and Virginia, underscoring both parties’ focus on winning over voters in states that could swing the election.
