The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on pages E126-E127 on Feb. 8.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
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speech of
HON. DARREN SOTO
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 2, 2022
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I want to commend the authors of the America COMPETES Act of 2022 for including $52 billion to incentivize private-
sector investments and continued American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing to help address supply chain disruptions and ensure that more semiconductors are produced here at home.
Within my central Florida district is the NeoCity technology campus which is recognized as an emerging microelectronics and advanced manufacturing hub, that has already made synergies with institutions of higher education across Florida and key partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Commerce. NeoCity is home to BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership specializing in domestic semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Imec, a world-renowned international research and development organization active in semiconductor design and architecture. SUSS MicroTec, a leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for the semiconductor industry. And SkyWater Technology, the only U.S. owned and operated pure play trusted foundry, that works on leading-edge advanced packaging technology. They all work in collaboration out of the Center for Neovation, one of the most state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facilities in the western hemisphere. As envisioned by this important legislation, the facilities, and experts at BRIDG, imec, SUSS MicroTec, and SkyWaterTechnology offer immediate capability to accelerate U.S. production of critical semiconductor chips, strengthen the domestic supply chain so chips are made in America, and turbocharge our research capacity. Equally as important, the NeoCity Academy, a public STEM magnet high school, is training the leaders of tomorrow's science and technology workforce.
I am proud of the work being undertaken in my district to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as they work to address the supply chain. I look forward to working with the Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce on implementation of the American Competes Act and the CHIPS for America Fund.
I appreciate the inclusion of three amendments for consideration in the final passage of the COMPETES Act:
CHIPS Funding to Non-Profits: Adds nonprofits to the definition of
``covered entities'' to expand the semiconductor incentive program to include nonprofit entities. This clarifies that non-profit entities like the 501(c) facilities in NeoCity are also eligible for funding under the semiconductor incentive program.
AI JOBS Amendment (H.R. 6553): Directs the Department of Labor to create a report analyzing the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on the American Workforce. Specifically, the report would collect data to analyze which industries are protected to have the most growth through artificial intelligence, and the demographics which may experience expanded career opportunities and those most vulnerable to job displacement. This is an inclusion of the standalone bill H.R. 6553, the AI JOBS Act.
Blockchain & Crypto Specialist w/in OSTP: Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a blockchain and cryptocurrencies advisory specialist position within the Office to advise the President on matters related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. OSTP advises the President and others within the Executive Office of the President on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, and the environment. it is critical to create such a position within OSTP to ensure there is a policy expert capable of advising the President and others within the Executive Office on these issues of growing national importance.
The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act (RRRA) reauthorizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act (CRCA), which expired nearly fifteen years ago. It maintains the NOAA Coral Reef program, while also introducing overdue improvements to coral management and restoration efforts and giving innovative new tools to partners who are closest to this crisis: states, territories, tribes, communities, and universities.
key provisions.
A 5-year authorization with an explicit focus on restoration activities where natural disasters and human actives have degraded reef ecosystems. This program is currently funded at $33M for 2021 but without further direction by Congress.
Creates a block grant program where states and territories can receive federal ``matching funds'' for the prior year's coral expenditures, provided they have an action plan in place, which will incentivize increased state and local investment of in coral reef management capacity.
Intergovernmental partnerships are key for water infrastructure upgrades, pollution mitigation efforts and regrowing reefs,
Allows for the formation of a public-private partnerships for coral management, called ``Coral Stewardship Partnerships.''
Public-Private partnerships are critical for sharing researching.
Authorizes the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, to ensure states, territories, and other stakeholders continue to have a voice in U.S coral reef management. Public feedback is essential.
Establishes of a single streamlined set of guidelines for ``action plans'' to implement the national strategy, with maximum flexibility given to state and local authorities. These action plans will focus restoration efforts more effectively.
Allows for emergency grants and emergency funds for coral disasters. This will assist with Hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, as well as oil spills and other major pollution events.
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