Senator Baldwin urges funding for Wisconsin's biohealth innovation initiative
June 30, 2025 | Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened on June 30, 2025, to discuss the implementation and oversight of the CHIPS and Science Act, focusing on the critical need for innovation and manufacturing within the United States. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the current state of semiconductor production and the urgency to maintain a competitive edge in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Senator Baldwin opened the discussion by commending Secretary Raimondo for her leadership in the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program. She emphasized the importance of securing additional funding to support Wisconsin's application, which focuses on biohealth and personalized medicine technology. Baldwin noted the state's strong history of innovation and robust workforce, positioning it as a potential leader in these cutting-edge industries.
A significant point raised during the meeting was the issue of American companies conducting research and development domestically while manufacturing products overseas. Baldwin pointed out that the CHIPS and Science Act aims to address this discrepancy, highlighting a concerning trend where federally funded inventions are often licensed to foreign companies. She cited a 2022 investigative report revealing that breakthrough battery technology developed with taxpayer dollars was licensed to a Chinese firm, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of manufacturing requirements.
The discussion also referenced President Biden's recent executive order, "Invent It Here, Make It Here," which aligns with legislation introduced by Baldwin and Senator Vance. This initiative aims to ensure that inventions stemming from federal research are manufactured in the U.S., reinforcing the importance of domestic production in maintaining national competitiveness.
Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency for the U.S. to accelerate its efforts in technology and manufacturing to avoid falling behind global competitors. The committee's discussions reflected a commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that American ingenuity translates into domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Senator Baldwin opened the discussion by commending Secretary Raimondo for her leadership in the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program. She emphasized the importance of securing additional funding to support Wisconsin's application, which focuses on biohealth and personalized medicine technology. Baldwin noted the state's strong history of innovation and robust workforce, positioning it as a potential leader in these cutting-edge industries.
A significant point raised during the meeting was the issue of American companies conducting research and development domestically while manufacturing products overseas. Baldwin pointed out that the CHIPS and Science Act aims to address this discrepancy, highlighting a concerning trend where federally funded inventions are often licensed to foreign companies. She cited a 2022 investigative report revealing that breakthrough battery technology developed with taxpayer dollars was licensed to a Chinese firm, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of manufacturing requirements.
The discussion also referenced President Biden's recent executive order, "Invent It Here, Make It Here," which aligns with legislation introduced by Baldwin and Senator Vance. This initiative aims to ensure that inventions stemming from federal research are manufactured in the U.S., reinforcing the importance of domestic production in maintaining national competitiveness.
Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency for the U.S. to accelerate its efforts in technology and manufacturing to avoid falling behind global competitors. The committee's discussions reflected a commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that American ingenuity translates into domestic manufacturing capabilities.
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