BETHLEHEM, Pa. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has faced criticism from his Republican opponent for a campaign advertisement that allegedly misrepresents the senator’s contributions to increasing microchip manufacturing in America. The ad, titled “Engine,” was published on Casey’s official YouTube channel last month and showcases him discussing the CHIPS and Science Act, a 2022 law authorizing $280 billion for domestic chip manufacturing and research capabilities.
In the advertisement, Casey states, “Ninety percent of our advanced semiconductor chips were being made in Asia, creating havoc in our supply chains and raising costs.” He then goes on to say, “That’s why I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass the CHIPS and Science Act — to produce our own chips right here in America.
However, GOP challenger Dave McCormick’s campaign has pointed out that the ad omits crucial information about Casey’s involvement in the process. According to the McCormick campaign, Casey was not a co-sponsor of the CHIPS and Science Act or three previous chips bills: 2020’s original CHIPS for America Act, 2020’s Endless Frontiers Act, and 2021’s US Innovation and Competition Act.
Additionally, recent data from the Commerce Department’s CHIPS Program Office reveals that Casey’s native Pennsylvania was not among the dozen states chosen for project development since December 2023. The selected states include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Vermont.
A McCormick staffer told The Post, “Not a single chips plant has been announced in PA — no semiconductor plants, no hydrogen hub for western PA.” They further emphasized that Casey did not contribute to the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act and failed to secure any chips production in Pennsylvania.
Senator Casey’s office has not yet responded to The Post’s request for comment on these allegations. According to RealClearPolitics’ polling average, Casey currently holds a lead over McCormick by 5.3 points.
