Mike Johnson Says GOP May Repeal the CHIPS Act, Then Apologizes ‘Profusely’

House Speaker Mike Johnson took back a statement he made during a rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday, suggesting that the CHIPS and Science Act could be repealed if the GOP wins full control of the government.
Johnson said that he expects Republicans “probably will” repeal the CHIPS Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in August 2022. He added, “But we haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet.” The question was asked on the sidelines of the rally by Luke Radel, a student journalist at Syracuse University.
Johnson continued: “What we oppose to in that bill is that it had too much crammed into it. When you take the Green New Deal out of the equation you will save trillions of dollars in the long run.”
But later in the day he issued a statement saying that “the CHIPS Act is not on the agenda for repeal.”
“To the contrary, there could be legislation to further streamline and improve the primary purpose of the bill—to eliminate its costly regulation and Green New Deal requirements,” Johnson said.
GOP Representative Brandon Williams, who spoke alongside Johnson at the rally, said in a statement shared with Radel that the speaker “apologized profusely” for misspeaking at the rally while speaking “privately” after the event.
“He clarified his comments on the spot, and I trust local media to play his full comments on supporting repatriation of chips manufacturing to America,” Williams added.
Newsweek reached out to Johnson’s office via email for additional comment.
The CHIPS and Science Act, which passed with bipartisan support, was designed to boost domestic semiconductor production amid growing national security and economic concerns about reliance on foreign manufacturers. Since its signing, the act has spurred major investments in chip manufacturing facilities across the U.S., with the goal of increasing American competitiveness in technology and reducing dependence on Asia, especially in the wake of ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
Johnson’s initial comments prompted some criticism, as semiconductor production has been seen as a priority by both parties, especially given recent supply chain disruptions. Micron Technology, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, announced a $100 billion investment to build a chip plant in upstate New York, citing support from the CHIPS Act as a key motivator for its decision. These developments underscore how the CHIPS Act has already started to draw tech investments back to the U.S. and support regional economies.
Alex Floyd, DNC spokesperson, told Newsweek Friday, “Just days after MAGA Mike Johnson confirmed Republicans are planning to launch a ‘massive’ new attack on the Affordable Care Act, he’s now admitting that a Republican-controlled Congress under Donald Trump and JD Vance would repeal billions in funding delivered by the Biden-Harris administration that is fueling jobs and innovation across the country. Trump and MAGA Republicans’ closing argument attacking their fellow Americans while running on a dangerous, unpopular agenda makes clear our country can’t risk a second Trump term.”
In a recent visit to Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the act’s significance, stating, “Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology.” Harris explained that the CHIPS Act’s goal is to address long-standing supply chain issues by securing essential components for items ranging from cars to smartphones domestically, according to NPR.
Meanwhile, on Friday, former President Donald Trump criticized the CHIPS and Science Act during an extended interview on The Joe Rogan Experience. “That chip deal is so bad,” Trump said on the podcast, arguing that the subsidies primarily benefited “rich companies” rather than addressing the needs of American workers.
He went on to say that, if he were in charge, he would have used tariffs to incentivize companies to build manufacturing facilities in the United States instead.
Update 11/1/24 7:22 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.