PYEONGTAEK, South Korea — President Joe Biden opened a trip to Asia May 20 by touring a South Korean computer chip factory that will be the model for another plant in Texas, offering it as a way to deepen ties with the Indo Pacific and fuel technological innovation and foster vibrant democracies.

Congressional policymakers formally kicked off negotiations on comprehensive legislation meant to facilitate domestic production of semiconductors and improve the movement of freight at ports.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo pressed senators April 27 to finalize legislation meant to boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors.

Companies from Microsoft Corp. to Texas Instruments Inc. that long benefited from supply chains that run through China now are paying a price for the country’s sweeping lockdowns that have confined millions to their homes.

WASHINGTON — A global computer chip shortage has made it harder for consumers to get their hands on cars, computers and other modern-day necessities, so Congress is looking to boost chip manufacturing and research in the United States with billions of dollars from the federal government.

WASHINGTON — Legislation meant to boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and alleviate supply chain bottlenecks at the ports appears to be headed toward completion on Capitol Hill.

The wait times for semiconductor deliveries rose slightly in March, reaching a new high, after lockdowns in China and an earthquake in Japan further hampered supply.

WASHINGTON — Recent passage in the U.S. Senate of comprehensive legislation aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of semiconductors is helping to set in motion formal negotiations with House lawmakers.

The chief executives of some of the largest U.S. chip manufacturing companies urged Congress to pass legislation that includes $52 billion in incentives for their industry, calling it “essential” to maintaining competitiveness with China and other countries.

Magdeburg in the former East Germany is famous for its towering Gothic cathedral, and not a lot else. It’s now about to play a key role in U.S. and European efforts to tilt the global balance of power.