U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich Discusses Semiconductor Manufacturing, Rural Business Development, and AI Collaboration with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has been at the forefront of discussions regarding the revitalization of American semiconductor manufacturing, the opening of new business development centers in rural areas, and the collaboration on artificial intelligence with Department of Energy National Labs. During a recent hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Senator Heinrich engaged with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on these critical topics.
One of the key points of discussion was the success of the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation championed by Senator Heinrich, which has led to a significant reinvestment in American semiconductor manufacturing. Specifically, Senator Heinrich highlighted the impact on Intel’s facility in Rio Rancho, N.M., where the company is creating hundreds of permanent manufacturing jobs and thousands of skilled trades jobs. Secretary Raimondo emphasized the importance of advanced packaging facilities in restoring America’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and securing the nation’s supply chain.
Additionally, Senator Heinrich brought attention to the opening of a new Minority Business Development Rural Center in Las Vegas, N.M., funded by the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency. This initiative aims to provide support to rural businesses facing unique challenges in accessing capital and resources. Secretary Raimondo underscored the importance of these rural centers in helping every American business compete and succeed.
Furthermore, Senator Heinrich discussed the collaboration on artificial intelligence, highlighting the roadmap for AI policy released by the Bipartisan AI Working Group. He emphasized the role of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the need to leverage partnerships with experts at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. Secretary Raimondo acknowledged the collaborative efforts with the Department of Energy and the National Labs in testing and evaluating frontier AI models.
Overall, the discussion between Senator Heinrich and Secretary Raimondo shed light on the critical initiatives driving innovation, job creation, and national security in the United States. The focus on semiconductor manufacturing, rural business development, and artificial intelligence underscores the importance of investing in key sectors to ensure America’s competitiveness on the global stage.