The bill, introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), would give Congress review authority over exports of advanced artificial intelligence chips to countries of concern.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Representative Brian Mast (R-Fla.) introduced the AI OVERWATCH Act (H.R. 6875) on December 19, 2025, a bill intended to give Congress oversight authority over exports of advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-related integrated circuits and similar technologies that could enhance foreign military and intelligence capabilities.

The legislation, formally titled the Artificial Intelligence Oversight of Verified Exports and Restrictions on Weaponizable Advanced Technology to Covered High-Risk Actors Act, would require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security to mandate a license for the export, re-export, or in-country transfer of specified high-performance integrated circuits to designated “countries of concern.” These include the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.

Under the bill, the executive branch would need to notify Congress before approving such exports. Lawmakers would then have a 30-day period to review and, if they disapprove, block the license through a joint resolution of disapproval. Supporters say this aims to mirror existing congressional review processes used for foreign arms sales.

“As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how adversaries exploit our technology to enhance their military capabilities,” Chairman Mast said in a press release. “The AI OVERWATCH Act ensures Congress has oversight over the sale of advanced AI chips to adversary nations, just as it does with arms sales. America must win the AI arms race.”

The bill would also include provisions to fast-track exports of U.S. AI technology to allied nations and trusted partners, while mandating safeguards to ensure that sensitive technology does not inadvertently strengthen adversary surveillance, cyber, or military systems.

Cosponsors include House China Select Committee Chairman Representative John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Representative Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), among others. In statements supporting the measure, lawmakers emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining U.S. technological leadership while protecting national security interests.

The bill was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.