TIGARD, Ore.- U.S. Senator Ron Wyden emphasized the need for federal and state initiatives, like those spurred by the CHIPS and Science Act, to benefit the full spectrum of Oregon's technology sector, including smaller manufacturers and suppliers. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Tigard, Wyden, who chairs the influential Senate Finance Committee, stressed that while major employers like Intel are vital, a thriving tech ecosystem requires supporting businesses of all sizes1.

The CHIPS and Science Act, which Wyden played a key role in shaping, aims to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing with significant grants, investment tax credits, and other incentives. This federal push intends to reduce reliance on overseas production and strengthen U.S. supply chains1. The legislation authorizes billions for semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research programs. Since the CHIPS Act was introduced, companies within the semiconductor ecosystem have announced over 100 projects across the U.S., representing more than half a trillion dollars in private investments and expected to create tens of thousands of direct jobs.

Wyden highlighted that government efforts must extend beyond the largest players to encompass the entire supply chain. "It’s not just Intel," Wyden stated at the Tigard meeting. "Intel is hugely important and is our biggest employer with 22,000 people. But they are not alone". He affirmed that federal and state governments would seek to use incentives strategically to assist smaller high-tech manufacturers and suppliers throughout Oregon.

These efforts complement Oregon's own legislative actions, which have allocated state funds and tax credits to attract and retain semiconductor companies and support university research, aiming to maintain the state's competitiveness in the industry1. Wyden also noted his continued work to secure a federally designated regional technology hub for Oregon1. The combination of federal initiatives like the CHIPS Act and state-level support aims to foster broad growth and innovation within Oregon's "Silicon Forest" and statewide economy