The Arrizona Republic
Biden discussed how TSMC’s new investments are an outgrowth of his economic plan.
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TSMC has just announced it was expanding its investment in Arizona to $40 billion to produce cutting-edge semiconductors.
4:40 p.m.: Biden leaves Arizona after 1st presidential trip
Air Force One was wheels up at 4:39 p.m. from Luke Air Force Base, marking the end of President Joe Biden’s visit to Phoenix and his first to Arizona since he was elected president.
Biden’s time in the state lasted about four hours and included one stop, a tour and remarks at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s new facilities in north Phoenix. Air Force One is headed back to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, with Sen. Mark Kelly and Reps. Raúl Grijalva, Tom O’Halleran, and Greg Stanton aboard, along with multiple White House staffers.
— Alison Steinbach
2:55 p.m.: Biden says Ariz. project will have global implications
In his remarks to the crowd gathered at a massive construction site in north Phoenix, President Joe Biden said what’s happening in Arizona matters across the country and the world.
He said Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s investments, including the newly announced second fab, will make the most advanced chips on the planet and bolster the domestic supply chain.
“Where is it written that America can’t lead the world once again in manufacturing?” he said. “We’re proving it can.”
The president spoke for about 17 minutes.
He said the U.S. has a world-class workforce and credited the more than 3,000 union workers helping build the fab and the many more who will work in manufacturing as part of TSMC’s $40 billion investment in Arizona.
He also mentioned other investments his administration is supporting in the Phoenix area, ranging from a new taxiway at Sky Harbor International Airport to infrastructure in south Phoenix.
Biden said he wants Arizonans to feel pride, like he does, when they see cranes and workers. “What we can do together is just anything,” he said.
He highlighted two small business owners in attendance who will benefit from the TSMC investments. Patricia McKinley, whose small trucking company was affected by the pandemic, will have new projects to grow her business, Biden said. And Paul Sarzoza, who grew up as a migrant farmworker in Phoenix and now owns a custodial business, will have TSMC as his largest customer.
2:25 p.m.: President Biden begins remarks at TSMC facility
Biden began speaking at the TSMC site just after 2:15 p.m., thanking TSMC and those helping build a semiconductor industry in the United States.
He took the stage after remarks from Gov. Doug Ducey, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Sen. Mark Kelly and TSMC chairman Dr. Mark Liu, who introduced the president.
At the top of Biden’s remarks, he thanked Arizona politicians for their work in making the chips investment and work possible.
He said he and Ducey are “different sides” but “share the same vision” of Arizona as a hub for the semiconductor industry. Biden congratulated Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs and said she’s in the right place, as the facility will be an “incredible asset to Arizona.”
He said the CHIPS and Science Act would not have happened without Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.. Biden also acknowledged Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who was not at the Tuesday event, and called her a “tremendous advocate” for Arizona.
“American manufacturing is back, folks,” Biden said.
— Alison Steinbach
2:15 p.m.: Mark Kelly: ‘This is a big deal for Arizona’
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Arizona is leading the way for advanced chip manufacturing. He said it’s a win for Arizona, national security, education and global competitiveness.
“What a fantastic day today is,” Kelly said in remarks prior to Biden. “Mr. President, we’re glad to have you here to mark such an exciting milestone for TSMC and for the state of Arizona. This is a big deal for Arizona, today is a big deal, and it’s also a big deal for the entire country.”
Kelly said the U.S. is manufacturing 10% of the world’s microchips and none of the best chips. He said for years, politicians have talked about bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to the U.S., and now it’s happening.
“This facility will soon manufacture the most advanced microchips in the world and it’s going to be done right here in our state,” Kelly said, adding that it will create “tens of thousands” of jobs and new educational opportunities.
— Alison Steinbach
