Johnson suggests GOP may attempt to repeal CHIPS Act, and Harris responds in defense.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson was criticized by Vice President Kamala Harris for suggesting that Republicans might attempt to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act if they gain control of Congress.
• Johnson has since tried to walk back his remark.
• Instead of attacking the law, Donald Trump has proposed tariffs on imported semiconductors.
• The CHIPS Act has released billions of dollars to strengthen domestic semiconductor production.

On Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for suggesting that Republicans may attempt to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act if they gain control of Congress, a statement he has since attempted to retract.

"Harris stated in Milwaukee to a group of reporters that she also wanted to address the recent comments made by the speaker of the House, which she saw as further evidence of her months-long discussions about Trump's plans for Project 2025."

She added that we've repeatedly discussed their intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act and now their intention to repeal the CHIPS Act.

In 2022, the CHIPS Act was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, and it has provided nearly $53 billion in funding to boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, which are essential for the growth of strategic industries such as artificial intelligence. The federal government has already invested more than $30 billion under the law as of August.

Manufacturing investment is a key component of Harris's economic strategy.

"Harris stated in Milwaukee that he intends to continue investing in American manufacturing and upholding good union jobs, as this is the way to compete with China in the 21st century."

Trump: 'Chip deal is so bad'

During an Oct. 25 interview with Joe Rogan, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump followed Johnson's lead and attacked the CHIPS Act.

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The potential economic benefits of a semiconductor manufacturing plant, sponsored by the CHIPS Act, have been welcomed in Rep. Williams' congressional district.

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To gain control of the House in the next Congress, Democrats need to win four more seats. Currently, polling indicates that the House race is too close to call.

Since his Friday comment, Johnson has made efforts to mitigate the damage caused by stating that the CHIPS Act is not on the GOP agenda to repeal, clarifying this after the campaign event.

The gaffe has given Democrats an opportunity to attack.

Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote on the X platform that the Republican Speaker of the House wants to send pink slips to the tens of thousands of construction workers building New York and America's future ASAP.