Washington, DC — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, spearheaded a coalition of 13 House Democrats in introducing the Restoring Export and Security Trade Restrictions for Integrated Circuit Technologies (RESTRICT) Act on Wednesday. This legislative measure aims to bolster U.S. national security while maintaining American leadership in the field of artificial intelligence.
The RESTRICT Act specifically targets the sale of the most advanced U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) chips to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and other nations deemed a concern. The bill seeks to enhance U.S. competitiveness by establishing a secure, license-free export pathway for trusted American companies that operate data centers internationally.
In a statement, Meeks highlighted the implications of previous decisions, particularly criticizing former President Trump’s approval of H200 chip sales to China. “President Trump’s decision to sell H200s to China further proves that national security is for sale under this administration,” Meeks remarked. He warned that such actions jeopardize U.S. dominance in AI and compromise national security by enhancing the capabilities of the PRC, which is considered the U.S.’s primary strategic competitor. He asserted that the proposed legislation would prevent the sale of advanced chips to China while enabling American firms to succeed globally across the AI technology stack.
The RESTRICT Act lays out several key provisions. It prohibits the sale of H200 and other advanced AI chips to China, directing the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security to deny export license applications for advanced integrated circuits to countries of concern. Additionally, the legislation codifies existing restrictions on U.S. exports of advanced integrated circuits and related products to China, ensuring that no new controls are imposed but reinforcing current measures as outlined in the Federal Register.
The bill also stipulates that prohibitions will extend to all nations under U.S. arms embargoes as of January 1, 2025, thus broadening its scope to include multiple countries classified as “of concern.” One notable aspect of the legislation is its flexibility; it empowers the Under Secretary of Commerce to revise the definition of “advanced integrated circuit or product” after two years, contingent upon certification to Congress that such revisions will not harm U.S. national security.
Furthermore, the RESTRICT Act aims to facilitate secure global operations for U.S. firms by mandating the Under Secretary of Commerce to establish regulations covering physical security, cybersecurity, remote access security, and other crucial criteria that companies must meet to qualify for license-free transfers to their foreign facilities. Only U.S.-owned facilities located outside of countries of concern will be eligible for these provisions.
The original cosponsors of the RESTRICT Act include Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Joaquin Castro, Dina Titus, Greg Stanton, Jim Costa, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Madeleine Dean, Gabe Amo, Jared Moskowitz, Johnny Olszewski, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Josh Gottheimer, and Brad Sherman.
As the U.S. grapples with the complexities of maintaining its technological edge while addressing national security concerns, the introduction of the RESTRICT Act signifies a strategic move to safeguard American interests in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. The implications of this legislation will likely resonate throughout the tech industry and geopolitical arenas, as nations reevaluate their positions in the global technology race.
For more information on the RESTRICT Act, a PDF copy of the bill can be found here.
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