Congress Introduces AI OVERWATCH Act to Bolster U.S. Control Over Military-Grade Technology

By Amr Gohar

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast has introduced the AI OVERWATCH Act, a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening congressional oversight of advanced U.S. artificial intelligence technology and preventing adversary nations from acquiring AI chips capable of enhancing military capabilities, according to statements released by his office.

The bill would extend long-standing arms-sale review procedures to the export of high-performance AI hardware, requiring Congress to be notified before the administration approves shipments to nations considered strategic threats to U.S. national security. Under the measure, Congress would have 30 days to evaluate any proposed export and retain the authority to block it.

Chairman Mast said the legislation reflects growing urgency to protect sensitive U.S. technology from hostile foreign militaries, according to the statement.

“Adversaries are already exploiting American technology to improve their military capabilities. The AI OVERWATCH Act ensures congressional oversight over advanced AI chip exports, just as it already does with arms sales,” Mast said. “America must win the AI arms race.”

The legislation identifies six countries of concern — China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the Maduro regime in Venezuela — and bars exports unless stringent safeguards verify that U.S. chips will not support military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber operations.

A key provision of the bill would also expedite AI exports to allied nations and trusted commercial partners, supporting U.S. companies that meet strict ownership and security standards.

Sponsors and supporters say the legislation is critical to preserving America’s technological advantage as global competition over advanced chips intensifies. Cosponsors include senior lawmakers from committees focused on China policy, national security, and intelligence. Industry organizations backing the bill include FDD Action, American Compass, and Americans for Responsible Innovation.

If enacted, the AI OVERWATCH Act would require the administration to produce a national security strategy outlining the risks and implications of allowing adversaries access to advanced AI chips, including assessments of their domestic production capabilities.

Supporters argue the bill would strengthen U.S. global leadership by ensuring strategic AI exports benefit allies while denying critical technology to geopolitical rivals.

The proposal is expected to draw significant attention as lawmakers and industry leaders continue to debate how best to secure U.S. dominance in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.