Warren invites Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to Senate hearing on China AI chip sales

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang has been invited to appear before the Senate Banking Committee on June 11, as Senator Elizabeth Warren intensifies scrutiny over the company's sales of AI chips to China. In a letter obtained by CNBC, Warren emphasized that Huang's testimony would provide valuable insights into Nvidia's perspective on U.S. export control regulations and its operations in China. She requested confirmation of his attendance by Monday. Nvidia's technology is integral to powering data centers that support advanced AI models, positioning the firm as a key player in the ongoing AI revolution. However, this significant market presence has attracted the attention of lawmakers and national security officials, who express concerns that advanced chips may bolster China's military and surveillance frameworks. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have implemented measures to restrict China's access to leading-edge AI technologies. Nvidia has countered that overly broad restrictions might hinder U.S. competitiveness and push clients toward foreign options. The Senate's call for Huang to testify coincides with Republican efforts in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which have initiated their own investigation into perceived Chinese attempts to stifle U.S. AI and data center advancements. In a recent appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Warren articulated her apprehensions, stating that U.S. companies are profiting from technology sales that could jeopardize national security. "The Chinese, in effect, buy our stuff, and American companies make a profit doing that," she remarked, highlighting the risks to long-term U.S. security. Warren pointed out that the chips in question are not merely for general AI applications but are also utilized for military purposes in China. If Huang testifies, it would be a unique opportunity for senators to directly question him regarding Nvidia's strategy in China and its stance on export controls, especially following his recent visit to China alongside former President Donald Trump for a crucial summit with President Xi Jinping. In addition to the discussions around China, Warren aims to expand the dialogue on AI beyond national security issues. During the same interview, she raised alarms about the potential for AI to disrupt the workforce significantly and proposed an excise tax on data centers to fund initiatives in healthcare, childcare, education, and job training. "We're talking about enormous disruption in ways that we can't anticipate," Warren said. "Now is the moment to get ahead of that."