Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)
(Washington, DC) – Today, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Research and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Haley Stevens (D-MI) and House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Acting Under Secretary Craig Burkhardt demanding an explanation for the termination of SMART USA Institute, a semiconductor research and development program authorized by Congress through the CHIPS and Science Act.
“At a time of heightened competition between the United States and our adversaries on semiconductor innovation, speed and commitment to U.S. investments are critical. As such, we question the Department’s recent decisions to halt or delay semiconductor research and development (R&D) programs and awards authorized by Congress, and break existing obligations to industry and academia,” said the Ranking Members. “NIST has a reputation as a neutral and steadfast partner that can work with any industry and academic organization. This reputation is very much at risk. Few companies would willingly seek partnership with an organization that cancels its obligations on a whim.”
The letter can be found here.