Mike Johnson says GOP could repeal CHIPS law, then apologizes 'profusely'

House Speaker Mike Johnson walked back a statement he made Friday during a rally in Syracuse, New York, in which he suggested the CHIPS and Science Act could be repealed if the GOP has full control obtained through the government.

Johnson said he expects Republicans will “probably” 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 object to in this bill is that too much has been crammed into it. Taking the Green New Deal out of the equation will save you trillions of dollars in the long run.”

However, later in the day he issued a statement saying that “repealing the CHIPS law is not on the agenda.”

“On the contrary, there could be legislation to further streamline and improve the primary purpose of the bill – eliminating costly regulation and Green New Deal requirements,” Johnson said.

Republican 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 “I spoke.

“He immediately clarified his comments and I trust the local media will reflect his full comments in support of bringing chip manufacturing back to America,” Williams added.

Newsweek contacted Johnson's office via email for further comment.

What is the CHIPS and Science Act?

The CHIPS and Science Act, passed with bipartisan support, was intended to boost domestic semiconductor production amid growing national security and economic concerns about dependence on foreign manufacturers. Since it was signed, the law has spurred major investments in chip manufacturing facilities across the U.S., aiming to increase U.S. technological competitiveness and reduce dependence on Asia, particularly in the wake of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China.

Johnson's initial comments sparked some criticism as semiconductor production was seen as a priority by both parties, particularly given recent supply chain disruptions. Micron Technology, one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, announced a $100 billion investment to build a chip factory in New York state, citing CHIPS Act support as a key motivation for its decision. These developments underscore that the CHIPS Act has already begun to attract technology investment back to the U.S. and support the regional economy.

Alex Floyd, DNC spokesman, said Newsweek Friday: “Just days after MAGA Mike Johnson confirmed that Republicans were planning to launch a 'massive' new attack on the Affordable Care Act, he now admits that a Republican-controlled Congress under Donald Trump and JD Vance is spending billions Withdrawal of Affordable Care Act funding The Biden-Harris administration is supporting jobs and innovation across the country. The closing argument from Trump and MAGA Republicans attacking their fellow Americans while pursuing a dangerous, unpopular agenda makes it clear that our country cannot risk a second Trump term.

What did Kamala Harris and Donald Trump say about the CHIPS Act?

During a recent visit to Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of the law, stating, “Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology.” According to NPR, Harris explained that the goal of the CHIPS Act is to address long-standing supply chain issues by providing essential components for items ranging from cars to smartphones would be secured domestically.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump criticized the CHIPS and Science Act in a wide-ranging interview on The Joe Rogan Experience on Friday. “This chip deal is so bad,” Trump said on the podcast, arguing that the subsidies primarily benefit “rich companies” and do not address the needs of American workers.

He went on to say that if he had been in charge, he would have used tariffs to incentivize companies to build manufacturing facilities in the United States instead.

Update 11/01/24 7:22 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.