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Johnson, who headlined a rally Friday in Syracuse for Republican U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, initially said that Republicans "probably will" aim to roll back the CHIPS and Science Act if the party wins control of Congress and the White House. He later clarified that incentives for domestic chip manufacturers would be maintained, but certain provisions that he claimed are linked to the "Green New Deal" would be targeted.Ìý

Mannion, a Geddes Democrat who is challenging Williams, R-Sennett, in the 22nd Congressional District, told reporters Saturday that Johnson's comments show he "doesn't understand central New York." 

Johnson's statements about the CHIPS and Science Act followed former President Donald Trump's criticism of the legislation during an . Trump said the 2022 law is "so bad." 

"The comments from the former president also are an indication that he doesn't understand our history and what we need here in central New York," Mannion said.Ìý

Mannion played a key role at the state level in attracting Micron to central New York. He was a co-prime sponsor of the Green CHIPS legislation, which provides state incentives to chip manufacturers.Ìý

After Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act in August 2022, Williams wrote a letter to Ë®¹ûÅÉAV calling the legislation "corporate welfare." Two months later, Micron announced it would invest $100 billion over 20 years to build a massive manufacturing facility in the town of Clay.

Biden announced this year that Micron will receive $6.1 billion in CHIPS and Science Act funding.Ìý

For Mannion, his support of the Micron project isn't just about the future. As a lifelong central New Yorker, he saw other manufacturers leave and take numerous jobs with them. Based on that past experience, he wanted to do what he could at the state level to support the months-long campaign to bring Micron to central New York.Ìý

"That's why this election is so important," Mannion said. "We need someone who is a good reflection of NY-22 and understands its history." 

Jeffries, who will become House speaker if Democrats can flip four seats, praised Mannion for his role in the bipartisan effort to secure Micron's commitment to the region. He also acknowledged the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act to the "economic revival" in central New York.Ìý

Electing Mannion is critical, Jeffries explained, because he will "continue to build upon the progress that has been made and make sure that tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in this sector of the economy can continue to come back here for the hardworking taxpayers of this region." 

Mannion also addressed comments by Johnson and Williams about the so-called "Green New Deal" provisions in the CHIPS and Science Act. The Green New Deal is a policy agenda to combat climate change that has been derided by Republicans.Ìý

Although the Green New Deal is not formally part of the CHIPS and Science Act, there are climate-related provisions in the legislation.Ìý

Micron planned to break ground on the project this year, but an environmental review must be completed. Williams is hoping to streamline that process, while Mannion doesn't think it will affect the company's expansion.Ìý

"They're fully committed to central New York," Mannion said. "The only thing that is going to derail this project is having the wrong person as speaker of the House and the wrong person in the White House." 

Regarding the criticisms of the Green New Deal and climate change provisions, Mannion noted that central New York has "a history of overcoming environmental damage." An example is the pollution in Onondaga Lake that took decades to clean up.Ìý

"People want an environmental review," he said. "They want Micron to be a good partner, but they also want the tens of thousands of union jobs that are coming and we're going to do both. That's why we need the right people in leadership positions to make sure that it happens and happens the right way."