Senate Bill Seeks 30‑Month Freeze on Advanced AI Chip Sales to China

Sponsors say the temporary curb protects U.S. security by keeping China from using cutting‑edge processors for military and surveillance systems.

Overview

The bipartisan SAFE CHIPS Act, led by Sens. Pete Ricketts and Chris Coons, has been introduced and remains a legislative proposal.
The bill directs the Commerce Department to deny export licenses for advanced AI chips to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Reporting indicates the proposed curb targets Nvidia’s H200 and Blackwell processors over the 30‑month period.
After the 30‑month window, Commerce would have to brief Congress at least one month before any rule changes take effect.
The push comes as the White House considers loosening export rules and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang opposes new limits, while backers warn broader access could fuel Chinese supercomputing and military uses.