Lawmakers Continue Talks on Bill to Boost Scrutiny of Chip Exports

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman says he's working to advance legislation to increase oversight of chip exports to China

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:00am

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House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., said he continues working to advance his legislation to increase congressional oversight of chip exports to China. Mast's committee is also scheduled to mark up a measure that would require export-controlled advanced chips to contain location-verification mechanisms to prevent the diversion of AI technology to China.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to ensure that chip exports do not harm the U.S. competitive edge in AI technology, as there are concerns that advanced chips could be diverted to China and other 'countries of concern'.

The details

Mast's AI Overwatch Act, which was approved by his committee in January, would give lawmakers an opportunity to review and block proposed exports of advanced AI chips to China and other 'countries of concern'. However, a few lawmakers have raised concerns about the legislation, including the fear that proposed sales could get bogged down in Congress. The Chip Security Act, introduced by Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., in May 2025, would require export-controlled advanced chips to contain location-verification mechanisms to prevent the diversion of AI technology to China.

  • On March 18, 2026, Mast said he continues working to advance his legislation.
  • Mast's committee is scheduled to mark up the Chip Security Act measure on March 26, 2026.

The players

Brian Mast

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, R-Fla., who is working to advance legislation to increase congressional oversight of chip exports to China.

Bill Huizenga

Rep. R-Mich., who introduced the Chip Security Act in May 2025 that would require export-controlled advanced chips to contain location-verification mechanisms to prevent the diversion of AI technology to China.

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What they’re saying

“I literally was just talking to some members about it”

— Brian Mast, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman

“continuing to talk to people about the divide on this -- divide and direction”

— Brian Mast, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman

What’s next

Mast's committee is scheduled to mark up the Chip Security Act measure on March 26, 2026, which would require export-controlled advanced chips to contain location-verification mechanisms to prevent the diversion of AI technology to China.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation aims to increase congressional oversight of chip exports to China and other 'countries of concern' in order to ensure that advanced AI technology is not diverted and harming the U.S. competitive edge in this critical field.