Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, opposed the act, which he derided as “toothless legislation” that fails to demand accountability for China’s role in the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not a serious attempt at confronting China,” he said.
However, Wittman, who would represent parts of Henrico and Chesterfield, as well as part of Hanover, if re-elected in a newly drawn congressional district, said he “remains committed to advancing semiconductor chip manufacturing in Virginia.”
“Virginia is already a leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing and is prepared to further assist in decreasing American reliance on foreign manufacturing,” he said.
Spanberger, who currently represents parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties, faulted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for waiting too long on a crucial issue for national security and the supply chain for domestic manufacturers.
Now, she said the House will have to negotiate a final bill with the Senate before it reaches President Joe Biden for signature.
“The Democratic House leadership has picked a fight now on a piece of legislation that should have been on the president’s desk a few months ago,” Spanberger said in the interview.
