Core Viewpoint - The Chip EQUIP Act aims to modify the CHIPS Act by imposing restrictions on semiconductor equipment sourced from "foreign entities of concern" for projects receiving federal subsidies, addressing concerns over subsidy outflow to China [2][5]. Group 1: Legislative Intent and Background - The Chip EQUIP Act is a bipartisan initiative in the U.S. Congress, responding to fears of subsidy outflow and the rapid growth of China's semiconductor equipment production capabilities, particularly in mature process equipment [2][4]. - The act is designed to prevent scenarios where U.S. taxpayer-funded facilities procure equipment from countries receiving external subsidies, thereby establishing compliance boundaries in funding usage [2][4]. Group 2: Equipment Restrictions - The act defines "non-compliant equipment" as semiconductor manufacturing equipment fully assembled by foreign entities of concern, specifically targeting the procurement of complete systems rather than components [3][4]. - Twelve categories of equipment are identified as "non-compliant," covering major processes in wafer manufacturing and some backend processes, indicating a broad legislative intent beyond just advanced processes [3][4]. Group 3: Implementation and Exemptions - The Chip EQUIP Act will embed restrictions as contractual terms in funding agreements, requiring the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to include prohibitive clauses in contracts with funded companies for a duration of ten years [3][4]. - There are three high-standard exemption scenarios: when the U.S. or allies cannot produce sufficient compliant alternatives, when equipment is refurbished rather than manufactured by foreign entities, and when equipment meets U.S. export control regulations [4]. Group 4: Industry Impact - If passed, the act will impose direct constraints on U.S. semiconductor manufacturers like Intel, TSMC, and Samsung, necessitating a reevaluation of their equipment procurement lists to avoid compliance risks [4][5]. - The act signifies a trend of institutionalizing security requirements in U.S. semiconductor policy, extending from export controls to funding and supply chain management [5][6]. Group 5: Broader Implications - The Chip EQUIP Act reflects a shift in the U.S. government's role from merely a funder to a passive shareholder, emphasizing returns on public investment rather than just industry subsidies [5][6]. - The act is seen as an attempt to fill perceived gaps in the CHIPS Act, which has undergone significant changes under the Trump administration, altering its original framework [5][6].