Press Releases

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4521, the Americas COMPETES Act of 2022 that included four of Rep. Leger Fernández’s (NM-03) amendments. The America COMPETES Act will place the United States at the forefront of technology, innovation, and  manufacturing. The bill strengthens the nation’s supply chain, accelerates the production of semiconductor chips and invests in Intel’s Rio Rancho Facility, and reduces reliance on foreign manufacturing. 

“New Mexico has the talent and the promise to make sure the United States leads the world in technology, innovation, and manufacturing. The America COMPETES Act harnesses that promise,” said Leger Fernández. “I’m glad that my House colleagues voted to include my four amendments to create opportunities for energy workers and promote economic development in our energy transition communities. These important investments can create jobs in rural, Latino, Native American, and minority communities. We can invent it in America; we can make it everywhere in America.” 

Rep. Leger Fernández’s amendments in the America COMPETES ACT: 

• Authorize $240 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance for economic development to communities reliant on the energy and industrial sectors. 
• Revise the National Apprenticeship Program to include employees of carbon-intensive industry sectors. 
• Ensure that Tribes and energy communities benefit from a Regional Innovation Hub program. 
• Require the Department of Energy to carry out a report that examines the economic potential and impact of direct methane removal technologies. 

In addition, the Congresswoman also supports the following provisions in the America COMPETES Act: 

• $52 billion for the semiconductor industry to ensure more semiconductors are produced in the United States, including New Mexico. 
• Comprehensive reauthorization of the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy Office of Science, and National Institute for Standards and Technology, which will help our national laboratories, colleges and universities, and other research institutions lead in emerging technologies like AI and QIS.
• Broadening participation in science and preparing the STEM workforce of the future, especially for rural and minority communities. 
• $45 billion to improve our nation’s supply chains and strengthen our economy and national security by ensuring that critical goods are made right here in the United States. These investments will help prevent shortages of critical goods and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing.
• Re-establishing the United States’ role as a world leader by investing in American competitiveness, alliances and partnerships, and by holding bad actors accountable.
• Protecting U.S. workers and businesses from unfair trade practices and supporting economically distressed communities, including through the Economic Development Administration and Trade Adjustment Assistance programs.
• Promote U.S. values and raise international environmental and labor standards, including by mitigating illegal fishing and forced labor practices.

WATCH Rep. Leger Fernández floor speech on the America COMPETES Act HERE. 

###