Congressman Rich McCormick Leads Congressional Letter to Revise the Biden Administration’s AI Export Rule

WASHINGTON - Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) led his colleagues in expressing deep concerns about the Biden administration's B.I.S. Rule 00636, which aims to regulate the diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This letter serves as a House companion to Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) efforts.

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick, Congressman McCormick and his colleagues urged the withdrawal or fundamental restructuring of the rule, citing significant risks to America's technological leadership and national security. The rule establishes a global export licensing requirement for integrated circuits (ICs) above a certain performance threshold, limiting U.S. companies' ability to meet global demand for computing infrastructure. It creates three tiers of countries to govern AI chip sales with harsh restrictions on Tier Two countries, including some NATO allies and EU member states.

"This rule severely restricts U.S. companies' access to fast-growing markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, potentially driving these strategic partners to U.S. competitors for their AI infrastructure needs. While we must prevent technology from falling into the wrong hands, this rule goes too far and hurts America's innovation and global leadership,"said Congressman Rich McCormick."Robust innovation and a healthy private sector are crucial to our national security."

Congressman McCormick emphasized that the rule's rigid restrictions and limited flexibility risk creating a vacuum that China would eagerly fill at the expense of US semiconductor manufacturers. He warned that cutting those companies' access to global markets would harm national security interests and limit the revenue streams necessary for next-generation chip development and U.S. global AI leadership.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman McCormick is committed to protecting national security and ensuring continued American technological dominance. He offered congressional support in crafting a more targeted and effective approach that promotes American technology leadership while preventing the dispersion of AI chips to China.

Congressman McCormick and his colleagues urge Secretary Lutnick to prevent B.I.S. Rule 00636 from taking effect in its current form and to propose a sensible framework that strengthens national security by promoting American leadership in technological innovation.