Vice President Kamala Harris recently criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for suggesting that Republicans may attempt to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act if they regain control of Congress. Harris connected Johnson’s comments to what she describes as a broader Republican agenda, pointing to Trump’s “Project 2025,” which she argues includes efforts to dismantle major progressive policies like the Affordable Care Act.
She used this moment to underscore her belief that Republicans, under Trump’s influence, are willing to undermine policies designed to boost American manufacturing and worker protections.
Johnson’s remarks, made at a campaign event for Representative Brandon Williams in New York, have since sparked significant political backlash. When asked about repealing the CHIPS Act, Johnson responded that it was likely, though not yet part of the GOP’s formal agenda.
This statement caused concern, given the act’s bipartisan support and its focus on strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The CHIPS Act passed in 2022, allocates $53 billion to domestic chip production, addressing vulnerabilities in critical sectors such as artificial intelligence and defense. Since its passage, over $30 billion in investments have been announced under the law.
In Milwaukee, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to American manufacturing, calling it a cornerstone of her economic platform and critical for global competitiveness. She emphasized that investing in American production and supporting union jobs are vital to economic security, positioning the CHIPS Act as essential in countering Chinese competition.
Kamala Harris Criticizes GOP Over CHIPS Act Repeal Threat, Citing Broader Anti-Manufacturing Agenda
Harris framed her remarks as part of her broader effort to highlight the importance of domestic manufacturing, both for job creation and for the United States’ standing in the 21st-century economy.
Former President Donald Trump has also voiced opposition to the CHIPS Act, stating in a recent interview that it gives unfair advantages to foreign competitors while benefiting wealthy corporations more than the American public.
He further claimed that Taiwan has “stolen” U.S. semiconductor business, calling for tariffs on imported chips. Trump’s criticism reflects a common Republican sentiment that the act offers too many benefits to corporations without sufficient accountability. Nonetheless, Representative Williams, in whose district a major semiconductor plant is expected, has expressed support for the act’s impact on his community.
Following the initial uproar, Speaker Johnson has attempted to retract his statement, asserting that repealing the CHIPS Act is not an official GOP agenda item. However, Democrats have quickly seized on his comments as evidence that Republicans may be out of step with American workers and manufacturing interests.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly criticized Johnson, arguing that Republicans would be cutting off thousands of jobs and hindering American industry. With election day looming, Johnson’s comment has become a flashpoint in a highly competitive race, as Democrats work to highlight potential Republican threats to job growth and manufacturing investment.
