SYRACUSE, N.Y. – At the Syracuse Regional Market, surrounded by Republican lawmakers, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed doubts about the multibillion-dollar CHIPS and Science Act, which is expected to bring jobs and millions of dollars to Central New York. The spokesman told CNY Central that if Republicans gained full control in Washington, they would likely repeal the law.

“I expect we probably will, but we haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet,” Speaker Johnson said.

“What we object to in this bill is that too much has been crammed into it – taking the Green New Deal out of the equation will save trillions of dollars in the long run.”

Local lawmakers reject former President Trump's claims against the CHIPS law

CNY Central sought clarification on Speaker Johnson's comments. Congressman Brandon Williams made this statement, saying:

“I spoke to the speaker privately immediately after the event. He apologized profusely and said he misunderstood the question. He immediately clarified his comments and I trust the local media will reflect his full comments in support of bringing chip manufacturing back to America.”

Through a spokesman, the congressman continued: “He was hearing reform, not repeal.”

Spokesman Mike Johnson continued:

“As I have further explained and made clear, I fully support Micron's arrival in Central NY and repeal of the CHIPS Act is not on the agenda. On the contrary, there could be legislation that further streamlines and improves the bill’s primary purpose – eliminating its costly regulations and Green New Deal requirements.”

The CHIPS and Science Act is credited with helping Micron choose central New York for its $100 billion investment and the promise of thousands of jobs. The CHIPS Act incentivizes Micron and other chip companies to build their facilities on American soil.

Representative Brandon Williams, who also attended the event alongside Speaker Johnson, says the CHIPS and Science Act is extremely beneficial for downtown New York.

“Obviously the CHIPS Act has a huge impact here. My job is to continue to lobby on my side, that's why I went to the altar and supported a lot of things against the leadership. This is our partnership, this is how we will get through this. “After I'm re-elected, I will remind him day and night how important the Chips Act is and that we are laying the foundation for Micron,” Williams said.

“I would say that President Trump's comments are based on a lot of things that were added to the CHIPS Act, which was a lot of Green New Deal-style programs. Let's address the national security issues of bringing chip production back to the United States.” “Green New Deal agreement because the so-called Inflation Reduction Act really has nothing to do with inflation.”

Williams further said:

“While Speaker Johnson made it clear that he stands with me in supporting Micron's investment through the CHIPS Act, I want to be clear: I will always support and fully defend the CHIPS Act. As I have repeatedly emphasized, ensuring independence from China is critical not only for our national security, but also for our local investments. I will always put the CNY first and always support the CHIPS Act.”

State Sen. John Mannion, the Democrat seeking to replace Williams, has said in recent days that former President Trump's comments attacking the Chips and Science Act posed a threat to the future of Central New York and American technology production represented. Local leaders have expressed similar thoughts. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, who is supporting Williams' re-election, began his speech by talking about Micron's record-breaking investment.

Mannion made the following statement:

“Once again, voters in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley see Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Brandon Williams for what they are – extremists who want to repeal the law that will bring billions of dollars and tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. “Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Without Green Chips and Chips and Science, Micron would invest $100 billion in another state and Wolfspeed would miss out on $750 million in federal funding. As a lifelong resident of Central New York, I have witnessed decades of job losses in our region, which is why I worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that secured the Micron deal to bring prosperity and quality life and a better future for NY-22.”