CNN
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House Speaker Mike Johnson may have significantly dented the re-election hopes of one of the GOP's most vulnerable congressmen on Friday, later walking back comments saying he would consider repealing the CHIPS law.

Earlier in the day, Johnson told reporters at a campaign stop in Syracuse, New York, that Republicans will “probably” try to repeal the semiconductor chip manufacturing package if they control Congress and former President Donald Trump wins the White House. The legislation would bring a $100 billion microchip manufacturing center to the area where Johnson campaigned with Republican Rep. Brandon Williams.

“As I have further explained and made clear, I fully support Micron’s arrival in Central NY, and the CHIPS Act is not on the agenda for repeal,” Johnson later said in a statement. “On the contrary, there could be legislation that further streamlines and improves the bill’s primary purpose – eliminating its costly regulations and Green New Deal requirements.”

At the campaign rally, Williams — who faces a tough challenge from Democratic Sen. John Mannion — came in and said he would “remind Johnson day and night how important the CHIPS Act is” as Micron prepares to break ground is preparing a plant in New York.

Williams said in a statement later Friday that he “spoke privately with the speaker immediately following the event.” He apologized profusely and said he misunderstood the question.”

The CHIPS and Science Act was passed in 2022 and will invest more than $200 billion over five years to help the U.S. regain a leadership position in semiconductor chip manufacturing. The new funding should help companies bring chip manufacturing back to the U.S., helping to reduce costs and prevent supply chain disruptions.

Earlier Friday, Johnson was asked by a reporter from Citrus TV News: “The former president has said he doesn't support the CHIPS and Sciences Act. They voted against it. If you have a Republican majority in Congress and Trump in the White House, will you try to repeal this law?”

“I expect we probably will, but we haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet,” Johnson said. “We have to get past the election first and that’s why we’re so happy to be in New York’s 22nd election. “Brandon Williams is one of the most important candidates in the country and that’s why Democrats are spending millions and millions of dollars to unseat him.”

After Williams defended the CHIPS law, which he called “very effective,” Johnson then said, “If there's an issue where consensus needs to be built because different states have different views on these things, then you have to.” have one.” Someone who is a strong supporter of this legislation. People listen to Brandon Williams. If this is important to your district, you need this man to represent it.”

Johnson later said his objection to the CHIPS bill related to other programs included in the bill. “We will support chip manufacturing, we do not support the Green New Deal. If you separate those two things, it becomes a lot easier,” he said.

Democrats immediately pounced on the faux pas. The account “Kamala HQ” on

“In Congress, I will defend CHIPS and science and ensure the investments flow home (Central New York) and to the Mohawk Valley,” Mannion wrote.

Williams was not yet in Congress when the bill passed, but criticized it during the 2022 campaign.