hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Sets annual standards for selling advanced AI chips to certain countries.
Mr. Moolenaar (R-Michigan) introduced this bill.
Introduced in the House, referred to committees.
This bill, known as the "SCALE Act," introduced by Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), requires the Commerce Secretary and Director of National Intelligence to create a system for setting yearly limits on selling advanced AI hardware to "countries of concern." It outlines specific metrics for assessing AI capabilities in these countries and aims to prevent adversaries from achieving AI hardware parity with the U.S. The bill has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Permanent Select Intelligence Committees for review.
Introduced Apr 15, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Moolenaar on April 15, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. For it to advance, these committees would typically review the bill, possibly hold hearings, and then vote on whether to send it to the full House for a vote.
If passed, companies that design or sell advanced AI integrated circuits, computers, or electronic assemblies will need to adhere to new, annually adjusted export limits when dealing with "countries of concern" like China or Russia. The government will implement objective metrics to measure these countries' AI hardware capabilities and use this data to set export thresholds, aiming to prevent these nations from developing their own advanced AI hardware. This could mean fewer sales for some U.S. companies to these markets, but potentially strengthens U.S. national security by limiting technology transfer.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in AI and preventing foreign adversaries from developing advanced AI hardware.
Critics Say
Critics might argue that overly strict controls could harm U.S. companies or provoke accelerated indigenous production by targeted countries.
The bill's policy statement explicitly outlines goals to maintain U.S. leadership in AI, ensure adversaries rely on U.S. supply chains, and prevent them from achieving AI hardware parity. It also aims to provide business stability in export controls through a systematic process. The bill text itself does not articulate specific counterarguments or criticisms.