A key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a new bill this week that would give Congress a direct say in the export of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, particularly to China and other strategic competitors. The move highlights growing concern about the global race for AI leadership and the balance between national security and technological competitiveness.
The proposed legislation, known as the AI Overwatch Act, was introduced by Representative Brian Mast (R-Florida), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill would require that Congress have 30 days to review and potentially block export licenses issued for high-end AI chips before they can be shipped overseas. Supporters argue this added oversight is necessary to prevent cutting-edge technology from bolstering the military or intelligence capabilities of rival nations.
This legislative push comes after the U.S. approved limited exports of Nvidia’s powerful H200 AI chips to China under strict conditions. The administration’s export rule allows shipments only if chips are verified by third-party labs, U.S. customers are prioritized, and the buyer shows adequate security safeguards. China may not receive more than half of the total chips shipped to the U.S., and exports for military use remain barred.
Proponents of the bill say that without congressional review, advanced semiconductors could end up in the hands of foreign entities with ties to military development or government strategy. At a hearing titled “Winning the AI Arms Race against the Chinese Communist Party,” Mast argued that stronger oversight would help protect U.S. technological leadership and ensure that exported chips are not diverted to hostile uses.
However, critics, including some within the tech industry, caution that overly stringent controls could stifle innovation and harm U.S. competitiveness. In past discussions about export limits, tech leaders have warned that restricting chip sales can have economic consequences and may inadvertently encourage foreign countries to accelerate their own semiconductor development.
The White House’s AI czar, David Sacks, has also expressed criticism, sharing social media posts suggesting the bill could undermine executive authority over trade and technology policy. Some conservative commentators have echoed this view, arguing that the measure is unnecessary or poorly timed.
If the AI Overwatch Act clears the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it would still need approval by both the full House and Senate, and a presidential signature, before becoming law. Its progress will be closely watched by tech companies, national security experts, and policymakers who see AI technology as central to future global economic and strategic competition.
