Claude Barfield

Dec 10, 2024 | aei.org | Claude Barfield |Kate Beinkampen

The Biden administration has launched a crash effort to push out as much of the $39 billion in semiconductor manufacturing funds—appropriated under the CHIPS and Science Act—as possible before it leaves office. The reason? Donald Trump vowed to kill the program. On November 14, the Commerce Department announced the completion of details for a $6.5 billion grant to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to construct three semiconductor plants in Arizona.

Oct 18, 2024 | aei.org | Claude Barfield |Kate Beinkampen

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has directly challenged US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai’s adamant opposition to stronger digital trade rules in US trade agreements. She charged that USTR has “stopped standing up against digital protectionism abroad.” Cantwell is chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, as well as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy.

Oct 7, 2024 | aei.org | With Robert Pondiscio |Robert Pondiscio |Danielle Pletka |Claude Barfield

For years, online education and virtual schooling were seen as inferior alternatives to traditional schools. A history of poor results and a lack of respect kept many online programs out of mainstream education. However, COVID-19 forced many schools nationwide to adapt to online instruction, and it has stuck. According to Consumer Affairs, the US e-learning market could increase by over $50 billion from 2023 to 2028. In the wake of this change, is it time to take a fresh look at online education?

Sep 23, 2024 | aei.org | Claude Barfield |Kate Beinkampen

Several weeks ago, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan announced that the new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate would focus on four technology areas over the next three years, a substantial reduction from the ten technology areas mandated by Congress in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.

Aug 23, 2024 | aei.org | Claude Barfield |Kate Beinkampen

Recently, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo proudly announced that the US had achieved a “milestone” in its drive to achieve secure advanced semiconductor plants within its borders. Specifically, the Commerce Department has now received commitments from the five leading manufacturers of advanced semiconductor chips to build new facilities (fabs) in the US over the next decade. The list now includes Intel, Micron, Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.