Bipartisan legislation would codify current restrictions and prevent approval of advanced AI chip exports to China and other adversaries for 30 months.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation to prevent the Trump administration from easing restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips to China and other countries considered U.S. adversaries. The bill, known as the SAFE Chips Act, would require the Department of Commerce to deny export licenses for high-performance AI chips to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea for at least 30 months.
The measure was introduced by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), with bipartisan support. Supporters say the bill is intended to codify existing export controls and limit the executive branch’s ability to loosen restrictions without congressional oversight.
Current U.S. rules already restrict sales of the most advanced AI chips, including NVIDIA’s Blackwell series, to China. The SAFE Chips Act would extend those limits by mandating the denial of licenses for chips more powerful than those currently allowed for export. After the 30 months, the Commerce Department would be required to notify Congress at least 30 days before making any changes to the rules.
The bill follows a recent policy change by the Trump administration that allows NVIDIA to export its H200 AI chips to approved Chinese customers under a new framework that includes a 25% federal charge on related revenue. The H200 is more capable than earlier models that were permitted for export, but it remains less advanced than chips that are fully restricted.
NVIDIA said the policy balances national security concerns with competitiveness, but some lawmakers criticized the move, arguing it could strengthen China’s technological capabilities. Proponents of the SAFE Chips Act say that enshrining export controls into law would provide policy stability and ensure congressional involvement in decisions affecting national security.
The bill has been introduced but has not yet advanced through the legislative process.
