US lawmakers push for tighter chip export oversight after Nvidia CEO controversy

US lawmakers from both parties are urging tighter congressional oversight of advanced chip exports to China following controversy surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, including a call to pass the AI Overwatch Act in the annual defense bill. In a November 9 joint statement, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jim Banks cited Huang's confirmation of a relationship with a suspected Chinese spy as making national security concerns urgent, and they pushed for the Commerce Department to close export control loopholes. Nvidia's board has opened an investigation into the matter, while Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a letter to employees. The controversy stems from reports linking Huang to Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore cloud provider Megaspeed International, which has faced scrutiny over possible chip diversion to China. Trade records show Megaspeed's Malaysian affiliate bought at least $4.8 billion in advanced AI equipment, though the company denies any illegal transfers.