Exclusive: Facing chips shortage, Biden may shelve blunt tool used in COVID fight

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the status of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations and his administration's ongoing pandemic response?in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 4, 2021. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some critical industries could suffer if the U.S. government uses a national security law to redirect scarce computer chips to the auto industry, a senior administration official told Reuters.

The analysis suggests the White House could opt to reject calls to invoke the Defense Production Act by automakers and a bipartisan set https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/rubio-coons-urge-biden-to-invoke-defense-production-act-to-address-semiconductor-shortage of U.S. lawmakers.