Senate Democrats press Thune for votes on China chip export bills
The push targets the AI Overwatch Act, Match Act and Chip Security Act as Xi Jinping arrives in Washington for talks with Trump
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Senate Democrats are urging Majority Leader John Thune to schedule votes on three bills that would tighten export controls on chips and semiconductor equipment sold to China.
The bills are the AI Overwatch Act, the Match Act and the Chip Security Act. Supporters say sales of advanced AI chips to China risk strengthening Beijing's AI capabilities, and argue the measures could still be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act if they do not pass on their own.
Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington ahead of a meeting with Trump. Treasury Secretary Bessent said this month that the US is open to exploring a larger trade deal with China after meeting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, a meeting where trade, rare earths and artificial intelligence were on the agenda. The temporary trade truce between the two countries expires on November 10.
Forcing votes on export restrictions now creates legislative pressure just as those talks are gaining traction. Even with an uncertain path to passage, the push risks hardening positions on both sides at a moment when Washington and Beijing appear to be moving toward a broader deal, making a near-term resolution less likely.