Washington, D.C. — On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the Senate version of Congresswoman Deborah Ross’ (NC-02) legislation to expedite and streamline the permitting process for domestic production of key national security technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The legislation, introduced with Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), builds on generational investments in the CHIPS and Science Act and will help to boost semiconductor fabrication in the United States. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk.

“Manufacturing semiconductors at home is an essential part of our work to bolster national security and maintain our position as a global leader in technology and innovation,” said Congresswoman Ross. “For too long, we have failed to make the needed investments to support this industry. Our bipartisan legislation cuts down the length of bureaucratic approval processes that have prohibited the domestic production of semiconductors, helping to spur economic growth and create jobs. I thank Senator Hagerty and Congressman McCaul for working with me to pass this legislation, and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.”

The FAST-41 program was created in 2015 and made permanent in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program improves the coordination, transparency, and timeliness of the government review process for eligible infrastructure projects. Currently, only traditional infrastructure projects qualify for the program. Congresswoman Ross’ legislation expands eligibility to national security critical technologies.

Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Angus King (I-ME), and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, where it passed in January by unanimous consent.

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