Biden meets CEO, workers; backs law to boost U.S. chip production
WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden almost met the chief executives of Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), Medtronic Corp (MDT.N) and Cummins Corp (CMI.N) on Monday. officials, as well as union leaders, as part of the administration's push for legislation to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry. "Congress needs to pass this legislation as quickly as possible," Biden said. "The economic imperative... This bill will accelerate semiconductor manufacturing jobs." Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was delaying the procedural vote until 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday because of severe weather concerns. The bill includes roughly $52 billion in subsidies for U.S. semiconductor production, as well as a new four-year 25 percent tax credit to encourage companies to build semiconductor factories in the U.S. The tax credit is estimated to be around $24 billion. Other provisions include a $1 billion grant program for "ongoing communities." L...