Top U.S. tech executives warned lawmakers this week that outdated export policies and underpowered infrastructure could cost America its global lead in artificial intelligence.
At a Glance
- OpenAI, Microsoft, AMD and CoreWeave testified before the Senate Commerce Committee
- Executives warned U.S. export rules risk ceding ground to Chinese firms like Huawei
- Sam Altman and Brad Smith called for major investments in AI infrastructure and power
- Senator Ted Cruz urged deregulation to protect American tech leadership
Tech Leaders Push for Policy Reform
In a high-stakes appearance before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, and AMD sounded the alarm on what they called a “critical juncture” in AI development. The hearing, chaired by Senator Ted Cruz, focused on how U.S. policy can maintain a lead over China in the global AI arms race.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stressed that a robust AI strategy must be supported by infrastructure—namely, more data centers and energy capacity. “We’re going to need a lot more power,” he warned, pointing to OpenAI’s massive new facility in Texas. (AP News)
Watch AP’s video coverage of the hearing on U.S.-China AI competition for highlights from tech leaders.
Microsoft President Brad Smith echoed Altman’s concerns, urging lawmakers to promote U.S. tech abroad while guarding against Chinese disinformation. “[America’s] advantage is fragile,” Smith warned. “[China] is moving fast.” (Reuters)
Infrastructure—and Influence—at Stake
Beyond red tape, executives urged investment in the physical systems underpinning AI. Data centers, power grids, and semiconductors were all top concerns. Smith emphasized that AI breakthroughs depend not just on innovation, but on where the technology can be built and deployed.
The urgency stems in part from the tightening tech race with China. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently warned that Chinese AI development is rapidly approaching parity with the U.S., especially after prior export controls limited U.S. chip sales abroad. Many at the hearing, including Senator Cruz, argued those policies now need a second look.
Export Restrictions Under Fire
The Trump and Biden administrations both implemented export restrictions on AI-related technologies—such as chip licensing and curbs on advanced semiconductors. While intended to limit China’s AI growth, tech leaders say the policies now risk backfiring.
“The U.S. needs a strategy that protects values without kneecapping innovation,” said Altman, urging reforms that allow U.S. firms to compete without losing access to global markets. (Yahoo Finance)
The Global Stakes
Senator Cruz and other Republicans on the committee backed these calls, linking national competitiveness to global influence. “We can’t win if we regulate ourselves out of the race,” Cruz stated. Industry leaders also emphasized AI’s importance to defense, education, and diplomacy, warning that America’s leverage depends on deploying AI aligned with democratic norms.
Executives also called for expanded AI education and workforce training—part of a broader push to scale both the infrastructure and the human capital needed to sustain long-term dominance.
As the U.S. AI policy playbook evolves, leaders left Congress with a clear message: lead, or be led.
