Johnson claims he 'probably will' repeal CHIPS Act if Trump wins before backtracking
At a campaign stop in upstate New York on Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters, “I expect that we probably will” repeal the CHIPS and Science Act.
Johnson was asked about his position on the legislation by Syracuse University student journalist Luke Radel if former President Donald Trump wins the election and Republicans keep control of the House.
“We haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet. We gotta get over the election first. That’s why we are so happy to be in NY-22,” Johnson said.
The speaker added, "When you take the Green New Deal out of the equation you will save trillions of dollars in the long run for the U.S. economy.”
New York Republican Rep. Brandon Williams - who is running in a tight race that could determine control of the House - said he supports the CHIPS and Science Act.
"I will remind him [Johnson] night and day how important the CHIPS Act is," Williams said.
The comments already drew ire from Democrats including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
"I’m amazed that any national leader would even consider repealing the CHIPS & Science Act — and Speaker Johnson threatening to do so during his visit to Central New York just shows how out-of-touch he and his allies are," she said in a statement.
In a statement released later in the evening, Johnson clarified his remarks and reversed his previous comments.
"The CHIPS Act is not on the agenda for repeal. To the contrary, there could be legislation to further streamline and improve the primary purpose of the bill—to eliminate its costly regulations and Green New Deal requirements," he said in his statement.
Williams said in a statement that the speaker "apologized profusely, saying he misheard the question."
-ABC News' Lauren Peller