**VP Harris Criticizes Speaker Johnson Over Comments on CHIPS Act Repeal**

Vice President Kamala Harris has voiced strong disapproval of House Speaker Mike Johnson's recent suggestion that Republicans might target the CHIPS and Science Act for repeal if they secure control of Congress. This remark, which he later attempted to retract, has drawn sharp criticism amid ongoing political maneuvers ahead of the upcoming election.

In a Milwaukee press event, Harris emphasized, "I also want to speak to the comments that have been recently made by the speaker of the House. It is just further evidence of everything that I've actually been talking about for months now, about [former President Donald] Trump's intention to implement Project 2025." She highlighted the GOP's consistent plans to dismantle key legislative achievements, including the Affordable Care Act and now potentially the CHIPS Act.

Johnson, speaking at a campaign event for House Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., a candidate in a tightly contested race, mentioned on Friday that the GOP "probably will" consider repealing the CHIPS Act, adding, "but we haven't developed that part of the agenda yet." The CHIPS and Science Act, which passed in 2022 with bipartisan support, has significantly bolstered domestic semiconductor manufacturing, unlocking nearly $53 billion in funding.

Despite Johnson's subsequent efforts to clarify that the CHIPS Act is not currently on the GOP's repeal agenda, his initial comment, coupled with former President Donald Trump's criticism of the Act on Oct. 25, has intensified scrutiny. Trump has called for tariffs on imported semiconductors, arguing that the CHIPS Act favors wealthy companies and fails to ensure the U.S. benefits fully from its investments.

Rep. Williams' constituency is poised to benefit from a new Micron semiconductor manufacturing plant funded by the CHIPS Act. Williams sought to mitigate the fallout from Johnson's remark, stating that Johnson "apologized profusely" and "misheard the question."

With the Nov. 5 election approaching, the Democratic Party has seized on Johnson's gaffe, emphasizing its potential impact on American jobs and manufacturing. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized Johnson's comment, asserting that it jeopardizes tens of thousands of construction jobs vital to New York and the nation's future.

As polling indicates a highly competitive race for control of the House, the ramifications of Johnson's comment continue to reverberate, highlighting the high stakes involved in the upcoming election.