NEC Weighs in on Innovation & Competitiveness Legislation Negotiations
Council Letter to Conference Committee Members Highlights Top Priorities
As a bipartisan, bicameral Conference Committee begins negotiations to reconcile House and Senate versions of sweeping legislation aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness and innovation, The New England Council weighed in with conferees to highlight some of our members’ top priorities. On April 27, 2022, the Council sent a letter to the three New England members of the Conference Committee: Representatives Richard Neal (D-MA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
In recent months, both the House and Senate have passed their own versions of legislation aimed at supporting U.S. innovation and competitiveness in the global economy. The House passed the America COMPETES Act, and the Senate passed the U.S. Competitiveness and Innovation Act (USICA). The Conference Committee is now charged with reconciling the two pieces of legislation.
In its letter, the Council outlined a variety of priorities related to supporting domestic semiconductor manufacturing and supply chains, investing in scientific research and development, developing a talent pipeline for the innovation economy, enabling 5G deployment, and addressing supply chain challenges caused by cargo container shortages.
For more information on this issue or on the NEC’s Technology & Innovation Working Group, please contact Emily Heisig.