Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is urging President Donald Trump to restrict China's access to advanced U.S.-made artificial intelligence chips, arguing that continued sales could weaken American technological and national-security advantages.
The New York senator made the appeal in remarks on the Senate floor ahead of Trump's planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week. Schumer said the administration should treat access to cutting-edge chips and manufacturing equipment as a nonnegotiable issue in those talks.
Schumer points to bipartisan proposal
Schumer said a bipartisan group of senators has proposed language for the National Defense Authorization Act that would limit China's access to the most advanced AI technology. His remarks did not identify the measure by name or describe which chip models or transactions it would cover.
The senator argued that export restrictions are the strongest available tool for slowing China's AI development. He accused Trump of undermining that goal by resisting new limits, while the administration has said looser regulation is necessary for the United States to compete in the global AI race.
Schumer said restrictions on exports and domestic safeguards for AI development should be pursued together. He rejected the idea that safety rules would necessarily prevent U.S. companies from maintaining a technological lead.
Debate extends beyond export controls
The remarks come amid a broader congressional debate over how the United States should regulate AI, protect sensitive technology and respond to China's expanding chip industry. Lawmakers in both parties have raised concerns that high-end processors and manufacturing tools could strengthen Chinese military or surveillance capabilities.
Schumer also warned that a major AI failure could erode public trust and ultimately damage U.S. leadership. He called on Republicans to support guardrails intended to promote safer development alongside limits on technology transfers.
The White House did not provide a response in the Senate Democrats' release. Schumer said Trump could change federal policy before meeting Xi, but his remarks did not identify a deadline for congressional action on the proposed defense-bill language.
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