House Speaker Mike Johnson's recent suggestion that Republicans might repeal the CHIPS and Science Act has set off a wave of criticism from Democrats and stirred concerns in battleground states where the legislation has become a key economic driver. At a campaign stop in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, Johnson remarked that Republicans "probably will" look to overturn the semiconductor manufacturing subsidies if they regain control of Congress and Donald Trump wins the presidency. The statement, delivered in a region anticipating a $100 billion investment from the CHIPS Act, immediately prompted backlash from Democrats, who quickly warned of the potential economic fallout if the legislation were to be rescinded.
In response to the criticism, Johnson later sought to clarify his remarks, insisting that his comments had been misinterpreted. "The CHIPS Act is not on the agenda for repeal," Johnson stated, emphasizing that the Republican focus would be on "streamlining" the law by "eliminating costly regulations and Green New Deal requirements." Despite this clarification, Democrats seized on the initial comments to underscore the economic importance of the CHIPS Act in areas where semiconductor manufacturing is generating union jobs and boosting local economies.
Vice President Kamala Harris, campaigning in Milwaukee on Saturday, criticized Johnson's stance, asserting, "It is my plan and intention to continue to invest in American manufacturing." Harris contended that Johnson's attempt to clarify his position revealed a hidden GOP agenda, suggesting that the speaker's stance is "not popular" with voters. The CHIPS Act, passed in 2022 with bipartisan support, aims to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., creating jobs and addressing supply chain issues that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson's remarks have sparked particular concern in New York's 22nd District, where the CHIPS Act is funding the development of a microchip manufacturing center. At the event, Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), who represents the district and stands to be directly impacted, stepped in to affirm his support for the CHIPS Act. "I will remind [Johnson] night and day how important the CHIPS Act is," said Williams, who faces one of the most competitive congressional races this cycle.
In a follow-up statement on Friday, Williams noted that Johnson had "apologized profusely, saying he misheard the question," and emphasized that the speaker "fully supports" the investment in Central New York. Johnson's comments, however, have given Democrats an opportunity to underscore Republican threats to significant economic policies. State Sen. John Mannion, Williams' Democratic opponent, promptly issued a statement, characterizing Johnson's comments as revealing "who they are-extremists," while affirming his own commitment to defending CHIPS investments in New York and the Mohawk Valley.
Democrats are increasingly framing their economic messaging around initiatives like the CHIPS Act and the job creation it has spurred in manufacturing hubs nationwide. With the law directing over $200 billion toward semiconductor production over the next five years, Democratic leaders highlight its role in revitalizing local economies, particularly in regions where manufacturing jobs have declined. For many Democrats, any GOP move to cut federal support for semiconductor manufacturing exemplifies what they label a "team extreme" approach.
Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) linked Johnson's comments to previous Republican efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, contending that the GOP approach "strips healthcare from millions and pulls back on critical manufacturing investments." Landsman, whose state has seen job growth from CHIPS-related initiatives, argued this was "the worst possible closing argument" for Republicans as the campaign season enters its final stretch. Harris and other Democrats are expected to continue pressing this message in swing districts.
Johnson, in further clarification to reporters, explained his opposition to certain CHIPS Act provisions, citing elements tied to "Green New Deal" regulations, which he said Republicans would work to separate from the core mission of semiconductor production. "We're going to support chip manufacturing; we do not support the Green New Deal," he asserted. Nonetheless, Johnson's clarification may not be enough to quell the backlash, especially in swing districts where semiconductor jobs are highly valued.
The House Majority PAC, a key Democratic super PAC for House races, has moved quickly to leverage Johnson's comments, issuing press releases targeting swing districts and urging GOP lawmakers to clarify their positions on the CHIPS Act. Democratic leaders are portraying Johnson's remarks as emblematic of a party disconnected from the concerns of working Americans. "There's a reason we call them team extreme," Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) told Axios. "In these final campaign days, they're doing their best to show the country how absolutely extreme and dangerous they are."
