U.S. Senate passes sweeping tech bill to compete with China

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation aiming to boost semiconductor production in the U.S.

The bill is a bid to protect economic and national security in the face of growing international competition, most notably from China.

Lawmakers approved the bill Tuesday by a vote of 68-32.

The centerpiece of the bill is a $50 billion emergency allotment to the Commerce Department to stand up semiconductor development and manufacturing through research and incentive programs previously authorized by Congress.

Support for the bill demonstrates how confronting China economically is a mission that unites both parties in a divided Congress.