US House Committee Advances Bill to Relax AI Export Restrictions
On Wednesday, the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs voted overwhelmingly to advance a bill aimed at loosening limitations on artificial intelligence (AI) exports, underscoring rising concerns that China could use the technology to strengthen its military capability.
Legislation Details
The bill, supported by House Republicans Michael McCaul and John Molenaar, as well as Democrats Raja Krishnamoorthi and Susan Wild, seeks to give the Commerce Department the authority to prohibit Americans from collaborating with foreign entities in the development of AI systems that are deemed a threat to national security.
Concerns and Statements
“Without this legislation, our top AI companies could inadvertently fuel China’s technological ascent, empowering their military and malign ambitions,” McCaul, who chairs the committee, warned on Wednesday.
“As the Chinese Communist Party looks to expand their technological advancements to enhance their surveillance state and war machine, we must protect our sensitive technology from falling into their hands,” he stated.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Washington’s Intentions
This legislation is the latest sign of Washington’s intention to limit China’s AI ambitions. There are concerns that Beijing could use AI to influence elections, manufacture bioweapons, or launch cyberattacks.
Future Steps
Last week, a bipartisan group of senators, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, pushed Congress to approve $32 billion in AI research spending to maintain the US edge over China.
President Joe Biden’s administration is reportedly developing additional steps to protect US AI technologies from foes such as China and Russia. This comes after concerns were expressed during the first formal bilateral talks on AI usage with China in Geneva last week.
Approval Process
The bill passed the committee with 43 votes in favor and only three votes against. It now requires approval from both the House and the Senate before being signed into law by President Biden.
There is presently no counterpart bill in the Senate, and neither Schumer’s office nor the White House has commented on their positions on the legislation. However, in recent years, bipartisan initiatives to challenge China’s technology gains have grown in popularity.
