Utah Valley Times

U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have written a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting an assessment of the Department of Commerce's export controls on advanced semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and related technologies from China and other countries. The senators are concerned about protecting national security and preventing adversaries, like China, from using advanced U.S. technology to enhance their artificial intelligence capabilities.

"The United States leads the world in technological innovation. China and other adversaries have long sought to erode U.S. security and economic advantages by acquiring our advanced technology," the senators wrote in their letter. "In particular, China is intent on out-competing the United States in the most cutting-edge areas of technology—including artificial intelligence—which is predicated upon the ability to acquire, develop, or produce advanced semiconductors."

The senators highlight the importance of export control tools in maintaining the nation's technological edge and securing national and economic security. In October 2023, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an interim final rule that expands export controls for certain advanced semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment used in the development of artificial intelligence, advanced weapons systems, and high-tech surveillance capabilities. The updated rule also extends licensing requirements to additional countries.

While these controls are seen as a positive step towards protecting U.S. competitiveness and advanced technology, their effectiveness depends on the private sector's compliance, the government's ability to implement and enforce the controls, and support from allied and partner governments.

To ensure the effectiveness of these export controls, Romney and Hassan have requested that the GAO study the October 2022 rule, as amended by the October 2023 rule, and assess its impact on preventing China from acquiring or developing the capacity to manufacture certain advanced semiconductors. The GAO's report, expected by December 2024, will address various questions and relevant items outlined in the senators' letter.

The senators have also requested an interim briefing within 180 days of the GAO receiving their request.

In conclusion, Senators Romney and Hassan are taking steps to evaluate the effectiveness of export controls on semiconductors and related technologies. They aim to protect national security and prevent adversaries like China from gaining access to advanced U.S. technology.