Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar Tries To Take Credit for CHIPS Act, Then Gets Exposed For Voting Against It

The CHIPS Act has become a very popular bill that is seen to boost jobs and the economy. However, several Republicans who voted against the bill are now taking credit for it, including Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar.

The CHIPS and Science Act was an initiative under President Joe Biden that was being pushed by Democrats as an answer to China's dominance in the chips and semiconductors industry as it provides funds to support the domestic production of semiconductors and authorizes various programs and activities of the federal science agencies. Many Republicans opposed this measure, but those who voted against it are now taking credit.

According to the Republican Herald, Rep. Maria Salazar celebrated the news that the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub is being launched in Miami, seemingly taking credit for the fact that it is being built there. However, it is noted that the hub was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act.

Even President Biden himself has called Salazar out on this, pointing out that she has been touting all the funding that came to Miami from the bill he was pushing. Biden signed the bill into law in August 2022 and has since partnered with Mexico to make it easier for the US chips and semiconductor industry.

US Rep. Maria Salazar of Florida Confronted on Taking Credit for Funding She Opposed

Maria Salazar's taking credit for a measure she previously opposed went viral during an interview on CBS News Miami. There, host Jim DeFede asked the Republican about a ceremony she attended last month where she presented a check for $650,000 to help small businesses at Florida International University.

"You voted against the bill that gave the money that you then signed a check for and handed and had a photo op," asked the host of "Facing South Florida." "The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, right?"

As the Huffington Post pointed out, Rep. Salazar voted against that $1.7 trillion government funding bill, along with almost all other Republicans.

"The money that you talk about - the $40 million that you bring back to the district - sometimes that money comes from bills that you voted against," DeFede pointed out during the interview.

Florida GOP Rep. Maria Salazar Claims She Cannot Remember How She Voted After Confrontation

During that now-viral CBS News Miami interview, Maria Salazar then claimed that she could not recall voting against those bills that have brought money to her district, according to SNN TV.

"Listen I, that was, I think, last cycle. I cannot really remember right now," Salazar answered. But just look at the Americas Act, which is what I'm-"

However, DeFede pressed her even more, asking, "So you don't want to explain why you voted against things?" To which she answered, "I really cannot, I mean, right now, and I'm not trying to be a politician, there's so many bills that I've introduced that I know that many of them-."

However, DeFede pointed out again, "But these are bills you voted against." This made her finally concede, saying, "I understand. But it's, it's - OK. Sometimes I vote and sometimes I don't, but let's look at the positive."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Facing South Florida: One-on-One with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar - CBS Miami