US House passes bill to boost domestic chip manufacturing
Washington (AFP) - The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday to boost domestic production of semiconductors, the in-demand microchips that power everything from smartphones to cars and weapons. The CHIPS Act was approved by the House in a 243-187 vote with 24 Republicans joining Democrats and now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. Biden had lobbied strongly for passage of the bill, which will increase US competitiveness with major chip-maker China. He welcomed its approval, saying it will "lower the costs of every day goods." "And, it will create high-paying manufac...