WASHINGTON D.C April 26, 2026 — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) called Sunday for the United States to produce semiconductors domestically with American factories and workers, warning that reliance on China leaves the nation vulnerable to economic blackmail.
In a 34-second video clip posted to X, Slotkin delivered remarks from the Senate floor: “I want to make chips here in America with American factories and American labor, because right now we’re living under a threat that China can veto something we need for our own economic security.”
She added: “We’ve been at the mercy of China every single [time] you have some on chips… I wanna make American [chips] to work. First place. [We must move] from China.”
The Michigan Democrat, a former national security official, emphasized that semiconductors — critical components in automobiles, defense systems, consumer electronics and advanced technology — are too important to leave subject to foreign control. Michigan’s auto industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy, relies heavily on these chips, making the issue especially urgent for her constituents.
Slotkin has long championed efforts to reshore critical supply chains. She supported the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act and has advocated for federal investments in Michigan-based semiconductor facilities. Her latest remarks align with growing bipartisan concern over China’s dominance in global semiconductor production and the strategic risks posed by potential disruptions or export restrictions.
The post quickly drew mixed reactions online, with some users praising the focus on American manufacturing while others criticized Slotkin’s broader policy record.
Slotkin’s message arrives as Congress and the administration continue to debate export controls on advanced chips, incentives for domestic production, and protections for U.S. industries facing subsidized Chinese competition.
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