What’s Going On in Congress? Your Handy Guide to PCB Legislation Headlines

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The U.S. Congress is now in summer recess, so it seems like the perfect time to look back on how legislators finally addressed the needs of the microelectronics industry. We feel confident in saying there has never been a time when the floors of Congress gave our industry so much emphasis. For the past six months, there has been constant activity from lobbyists, legislators, semiconductor and printed circuit board associations, and individuals who want to bring more electronics production back to the United States.  

We know you have so many questions about what the legislation means for you. Will there be funds to expand or upgrade my facilities? What about tax breaks? How will my specific needs be known? What will the current legislation mean for U.S. vs. China relations? Use this handy guide to get caught up, sort out the CHIPS from the USICAs, and be that someone who talks knowledgably at dinner parties.

I-Connect007 Exclusive Coverage

IPC Advanced Packaging Symposium to Draw Industry, Government Representatives An interview with IPC's Chris Mitchell and Matt Kelly

Is the U.S. Government Ready to Meet the Test of Technological Leadership? A column by John Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC

Printed Circuit Boards: Past the Lobby and Onto the Floor An interview with Travis Kelly, CEO of Isola Group and chairman of PCBAA, and U.S. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah.

A Deeper Look at the CHIPS Investment Act An interview with Chris Peters, executive director of USPAE

DoD is Unarmed Without the PCB A column by Travis Kelly, CEO of Isola Group and chairman of PCBAA

What Happens in Washington Happens to Us All A column by Travis Kelly, CEO of Isola Group and chairman of PCBAA

A Voice in Washington for American-Made PCBs, A column by Travis Kelly, CEO of Isola Group and chairman of PCBAA

PCB Semiconductor Legislation News

IPC Lauds Passage of 'CHIPS and Science' Act; Electronics Industry Calls for a Holistic Approach to Reviving Domestic Electronics Capabilities (Published Aug. 9)

FACT SHEET: CHIPS and Science Act Will Lower Costs, Create Jobs, Strengthen Supply Chains, and Counter China(Published Aug. 9) 

IPC Commends House on Passage of CHIPS+ Legislation (Published July 28) 

IPC: Electronics Manufacturing Industry Applauds Senate Passage of CHIPS+ Legislation (Published July 28) 

SEMI Applauds Final Passage of CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Published July 28)  

IPC Urges U.S. Senate and House to Complete R&D Legislation Before August Recess (Published July 20)

IPC: Over 100 Industry Executives Urge U.S. Congress to Strengthen Electronics Supply Chain (Published July 14)

03/24/2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

It’s almost as if upheaval is the new normal. We often describe slow-moving but unstoppable change as moving in “geologic time.” But occasionally–like an earthquake–geology shifts suddenly. Here in my office, tracking the news of the industry, things are moving faster than geologic time, but more slowly than the jolt of an earthquake. The wave seems almost surfable, where before it seemed overwhelming. In this week’s list, we bring news from five different, high-vibration areas in our industry. If you read nothing else this week, these five items will keep you informed.

03/21/2023 | Christopher Bonsell, Chemcut

This year, I had the great opportunity to come to IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego as a contributing member in Chemcut’s booth. Being an exhibitor is always interesting because you never know what you will learn or who you will meet. Truly, it seems that every IPC APEX EXPO is an eye-opening experience. This was the second show I attended, and last year I was amazed to see how in-depth and interconnected the electronics industry is. Seeing how many different companies contribute to manufacturing today’s core technology never fails to impress me.

03/21/2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

Investments, staffing, cybersecurity, and a peek into his crystal ball—John Vaughan, vice president of strategic markets at Summit Interconnect, sits down with Nolan Johnson to talk about it all. Business is good, by the way, thanks to Summit’s portfolio of military contracts, and he has sound advice to offer for smaller shops in the United States, and their real ability to make a difference in PCB fabrication.