Congress Moves to Block Chinese AI From U.S. Government Systems With Bipartisan Legislation

House Select Committee on China Launches Bipartisan Bill to Restrict AI from Foreign Adversaries

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the House Select Committee on China begins its hearing titled “Authoritarians and Algorithms: Why U.S. AI Must Lead,” key lawmakers are introducing bipartisan legislation to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) increasing use of artificial intelligence.

Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced the introduction of the No Adversarial AI Act in the House. The bill is also supported in the Senate by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Gary Peters (D-MI). This legislation prohibits U.S. executive agencies from acquiring or using AI developed by companies linked to foreign adversaries such as the CCP. The House bill is backed by a bipartisan group including Reps. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Darin LaHood (R-IL).

Clear Risks Demand Clear Boundaries

Chairman Moolenaar emphasized the strategic importance of AI technology in the current geopolitical climate. “We are in a new Cold War—and AI is the strategic technology at the center,” he said. He pointed out that the CCP does not focus on innovation but rather on theft, scaling stolen technology, and subversion. From intellectual property theft and chip smuggling to using AI in surveillance and military platforms, the CCP is actively weaponizing this technology.

“We must draw a clear line: U.S. government systems cannot be powered by tools built to serve authoritarian interests,” Moolenaar added.

Key Provisions of the No Adversarial AI Act

• Establishes a public list of AI systems developed by foreign adversaries, managed and updated by the Federal Acquisition Security Council.
• Prohibits executive agencies from acquiring or using adversary-developed AI, with narrow exceptions such as research, counterterrorism, or mission-critical needs.
• Creates a process to delist companies that prove they are free from foreign adversary control or influence.

Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi highlighted the national security risks posed by adversary-controlled AI. “We cannot allow hostile regimes to embed their code in our most sensitive systems,” he said. The legislation aims to build a firewall between foreign adversary AI and U.S. government operations, protecting government data and institutions.

Senate Support and National Security Concerns

Senator Rick Scott stressed the urgency of the bill. “The Communist Chinese regime will use any means necessary to spy, steal, and undermine the United States,” he said. Scott noted that federal agencies currently using AI platforms with potential CCP access to U.S. user data pose significant risks.

“Our No Adversarial AI Act will stop this direct threat to national security and keep sensitive government data out of enemy hands,” he added.

Broader Strategy Against Authoritarian AI Exploitation

This legislation is part of the Select Committee’s broader AI campaign to secure U.S. AI supply chains, enforce export controls, and prevent American innovation from fueling authoritarian surveillance or military uses abroad. The Committee plans to continue releasing proposals throughout the summer to address CCP exploitation of U.S. technology.

For government professionals seeking to understand AI security and policy developments, staying informed on this legislation and related efforts is critical. Exploring practical AI training resources can also be valuable for agency staff working with emerging technologies. Relevant courses are available at Complete AI Training.