Biden touts semiconductor plant in battleground state of Ohio

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden visited on Friday the battleground state of Ohio to tout tech firm Intel's decision to build a $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility following Congressional passage of key funding legislation in July.

Speaking at the plant's groundbreaking ceremony, the president said the $280 billion Chips and Science Act, which subsidizes domestic manufacturing of computer chip manufacturing, is "one of the most significant science and technology investments in our history."

Referring to "the rust belt," a stretch of America's former industrial heartland that runs across Ohio, Biden said the act will help make the region "the silicon heartland."

"Made in Ohio, and made in America is no longer just a slogan. It's happening. The reality today is it's just beginning," Biden said. "Because I signed into law the Chips and Science Act we're accelerating the progress. This new law makes historic investment for companies to build advanced manufacturing facilities here in America."

Ohio is a key state for Democrats as they head into November's midterm elections with hopes of retaining both chambers of Congress to further enable Biden to carry out his legislative agenda.

Intel's facility will create 7,000 construction jobs as well as 3,000 full time jobs after it is created, according to the White House.