Hosted by the SEMI North America Advisory Board (NAAB), executives from member companies across the semiconductor supply chain with operations in the U.S. recently convened in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the policies most critical to semiconductor competitiveness and national security.
From March 3-5, 2026, SEMI executives and more than 80 representatives from member companies embarked on Capitol Hill, engaging directly with members of Congress and federal officials to advance the industry’s top policy priorities heading into 2026. These industry leaders from across the semiconductor ecosystem—from materials and equipment suppliers to chipmakers and end users—underscored the urgent need for industry-informed policymaking. Focus topics included:
• Trade and Tariff Policy – Promote a balanced trade policy that preserves market access and avoids overlapping tariffs on the same product, as well as narrowly tailored, coordinated export controls to protect national security without harming U.S. competitiveness.
• Tax Policy and Investment Incentives – Establish a competitive tax framework would reward innovation and lock the next generation of semiconductor production onto U.S. soil.
• Research and Development (R&D) Investment – Invest in long-term tax and R&D incentives to sustain semiconductor investments.
• CHIPS and Science Act Implementation and Beyond – Continued implementation of the CHIPS Act and related programs and develop a forward-looking initiative or roadmap to continue the industry’s momentum.
• Workforce Development – Establish a national workforce pipeline aligned with federal, state, and industry programs to meet critical talent needs.
• Environmental Regulations – Support pragmatic policies that balance environmental goals with innovation.
The semiconductor industry is vital to every facet of our lives today from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to healthcare. The U.S. leads in semiconductor design and advanced technologies that enable the AI era—and clear, predictable policy frameworks are critical to the Administration’s goals around maintaining U.S. technological leadership and advancing national and economic security.
A highlight from the Fly-In was recognizing Indiana Senator Todd Young with the SEMI Americas Government Leadership Award on March 4. The NAAB selects Government Leadership Award honorees based on their impact on policies and incentives to bolster semiconductor design and manufacturing and advance the growth of the global industry.
SEMI member companies are making record level investments in the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, bringing high-paying, skilled jobs to communities across the country. This year’s Fly-In participants met with over 100 key congressional offices and committees and engaged directly with administration officials to discuss policies that support economic growth, innovation, and national security. Through collaboration, credibility, and consistent engagement, SEMI looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration to ensure the next phase of U.S. semiconductor expansion delivers lasting benefits for the U.S. economy.
Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.
Learn more about the SEMI Public Policy and Advocacy program and the 2026 policy strategy: https://www.semi.org/en/global-advocacy.
Christina Banoub is Senior Manager, Federal Affairs at SEMI.
