The Biden administration announced an additional $540 million in grants to 14 states, including swing states like Nevada, Georgia, and Wisconsin.
The grants are designed for locations identified as tech hubs under the Semiconductor Support Act, many of which are pivotal swing states in the upcoming November elections.
On the 2nd, the U.S. Department of Commerce declared that these funds will support research in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, and clean energy across the 14 states.
The 12 tech hubs include Nevada (lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicle materials), Georgia and South Carolina (clean energy supply chains), Wisconsin (biotech), New York (semiconductor manufacturing), and Florida (sustainable climate resistance infrastructure).
Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the role of these tech hubs in driving the future economy and creating jobs.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo added that the program would bolster America’s leadership in commercializing new key technology sectors and maintain competitiveness.
The Department of Commerce selected 31 tech hubs across 32 states from approximately 400 applications submitted by industry, academia, state, and local governments last October.
Each hub can apply for federal funding ranging between $40 million to $70 million. The Biden administration pledged over $4 billion to this initiative, with $541 million already allocated.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves highlighted President Joe Biden’s focus on revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening America’s global competitiveness, aiming to expand economic opportunities throughout the U.S.
The Semiconductor Support Act allows for a $10 billion investment in the tech hub initiative over five years.
As speculation grows about Biden’s potential re-election run, there is growing speculation that Harris might emerge as the Democratic presidential candidate if a change is needed.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Harris is a strong contender to avoid division within the Democratic Party, enjoying significant support among female and black voters.
Keith Williams, Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Black Caucus, said, “This woman (Harris) is ready to be president,” adding, “She has made her own place. There will be anger if they try to bypass the vice president.”
Harris is also praised for her virtues as a second-in-command.
After the debate, Harris has been working to quell the rapidly growing panic among Democratic supporters through several interviews. She has been meeting voters, donors, and some celebrities on behalf of Biden, urging them to focus on Biden’s track record and disregard the debate failure.
