Congressman Chris Jacobs voted, along party lines, against H.R. 4521, the “America COMPETES Act of 2022.” This legislation provides $52 billion for microchip research, development, and private sector investment in the manufacturing of microchips. Microchips are essential for our economic and national security interests. Furthermore, this legislation provides $45 billion to strengthen our supply chain by the acquisition of critical goods and equipment necessary for our national security and economic vitality. This legislation provides good jobs with competitive wages. That is why this legislation has the support of the AFL-CIO, the United Steel Workers, and the Alliance of American Manufacturers among others. While the Republican Party’s objective is to block Democrat success, Mr. Jacobs’ obligation is to the citizens he represents. The poverty rate in Orleans County, Livingston County, and Niagara Counties is greater than 10 percent, (U.S. Census report July 1, 2021). Improving economic activity should be job one for Mr. Jacobs. His cynical opposition shows his devotion to national party politics not to the citizens he represents. We need a representative, not a party bureaucrat.
