Washington, June 12: Lawmakers from both parties in the United States have issued a warning that without strengthening security measures related to artificial intelligence (AI), the country risks losing its technological edge over China. A Senate hearing emphasized growing concerns regarding national security, job impacts, and the rapid expansion of AI technology.
During the Senate Banking Committee hearing, Chairman Tim Scott stated that the U.S. must ensure that AI bolsters the economy while preventing competitors like China from gaining a strategic advantage. He posed a critical question: “How do we ensure the proper use of artificial intelligence?”
Scott described AI as a powerful tool that can reduce costs, enhance financial services, assist small businesses, and create jobs. However, he stressed that the U.S. cannot allow China or any other adversary to achieve a technological lead in AI.
The hearing showcased a rare instance of bipartisan agreement in Washington. Ranking member Elizabeth Warren criticized the Trump administration’s AI policies and expressed concern over China’s access to advanced chips and computing technology.
Warren noted, “AI holds immense potential. However, Americans are rightly worried that it could further impact our economy. Congress can no longer remain a silent bystander as risks associated with AI grow, and millions of American chips are being sent to China.”
The central issue of the hearing was whether current export controls are robust enough to prevent advanced AI chips from reaching China directly or through third countries.
David Feith, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former National Security Council official, warned that stronger security measures are necessary given China’s military, commercial, and geopolitical ambitions. When Warren inquired about the level of concern policymakers should have regarding advanced AI chips falling into Chinese hands, he responded, “I think a lot.”
He added that if China obtains advanced chips, it could bolster Beijing’s military capabilities and assist Chinese companies in competing with U.S. technology firms in the global market.
Several lawmakers supported bipartisan legislation to tighten restrictions on the export of advanced AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. Proposed measures include the AI Overwatch Act, the MATCH Act, and the Chip Security Act. When asked if Congress should approve these measures, Feith affirmed, “Yes, and the collaboration between both parties should be commended.”
In addition to national security, senators discussed the economic implications of the rapid adoption of AI. Sarah Myers West, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute, warned that heavy borrowing for AI infrastructure projects could pose risks to the broader economy.
She remarked, “It will deeply affect ordinary Americans, even if they haven’t directly invested in AI. A significant downturn in this sector could impact retirement accounts, pensions, employment, and access to credit.”
Proponents of AI argued that the technology could enhance productivity, improve healthcare, strengthen cybersecurity, and accelerate economic growth. Many Republican senators believed that overly stringent regulations on U.S. companies could ultimately benefit China’s competitive firms.
This hearing comes at a time when Washington and Beijing are competing for leadership in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies, which are deemed crucial for both economic growth and national security.
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