Bill · S. 321· Senate(119-S-321)
Decoupling America's Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/29/2025
- Last activity
- 1/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Josh Hawley
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Decoupling America's Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act of 2025," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It seeks to prohibit United States persons from advancing artificial intelligence or generative artificial intelligence capabilities within the People's Republic of China. The legislation establishes prohibitions on the importation of such technology produced in China and the export of such technology to China. Additionally, it forbids specific research and development activities and the transfer of related research information. Finally, it restricts United States persons from holding interests in or providing financing to certain Chinese entities of concern.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+5
By restricting AI technology transfer to China, the bill aims to protect national technological security.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+3
The bill limits support for entities that assist in the development of surveillance capabilities.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+2
The bill aligns U.S. technological policy with broader strategic efforts to counter Chinese influence.
The opposite· 3 of 9
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
Business owners face significant civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with the new trade restrictions.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-3
The heavy fines and strict prohibitions could disproportionately affect smaller research entities and businesses.
Does this put more money into scientific research?-3
The bill threatens the forfeiture of existing and future research grants and public benefits for violators.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Prohibition on Importation: The bill prohibits the importation into the United States of artificial intelligence or generative artificial intelligence technology or intellectual property developed or produced in the People's Republic of China (Section 3(a)).
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Prohibition on Exportation: The act prohibits the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of artificial intelligence or generative artificial intelligence technology or intellectual property to or within the People's Republic of China (Section 3(b)).
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Restriction on Research and Development: It prohibits United States persons from intentionally conducting, attempting, or conspiring to conduct research or development of artificial intelligence or generative artificial intelligence within the People's Republic of China, or for/on behalf of/in collaboration with an entity of concern (Section 4(a)).
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Restriction on Research Transfer: It prohibits the intentional transfer or attempt to transfer information relating to research of artificial intelligence or generative artificial intelligence within the People's Republic of China or to/from an entity of concern (Section 4(b)).
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Financial Restrictions: The bill prohibits United States persons from knowingly holding or managing an interest in, or lending money or extending credit to, a Chinese entity of concern that conducts AI research/development and assists in the military-civil fusion strategy, surveillance capabilities, or is implicated in human rights abuses (Section 5(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Criminal and Civil Penalties for Trade Violations: Persons who willfully violate the prohibitions on importation or exportation of AI technology are subject to criminal penalties and civil penalties under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (Section 3(c)).
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Heavy Fines for Research Violations: Entities violating research and development prohibitions may be fined up to $100,000,000 and may forfeit any license, contract, grant, or public benefit awarded by a Federal agency (Section 4(a)).
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Individual Penalties for Research Violations: Individuals violating the research and development provisions may be fined up to $1,000,000 and forfeit any license, contract, grant, or public benefit awarded by a Federal agency (Section 4(a)).
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Ineligibility for Federal Assistance: A United States person that violates research and development prohibitions shall be ineligible to receive Federal financial assistance for a 5-year period (Section 4(b)).
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Civil Damages and Litigation: The United States may bring civil actions seeking relief in equity, punitive and nominal damages, and damages totaling three times the amount sustained by the United States or the cost of the civil action (Section 4(c)).
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Immigration Consequences: An offense described in the research and development section of the United States Code is added as a consequence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (Section 4(b)).
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Financial Penalties for Interest and Financing: Violators of the restrictions on holding interests or providing financing to specific Chinese entities are subject to penalties set forth in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (Section 5(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-3Improves Economic Growth-2Increases Job Creation-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+5Improves International Alliances+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-4Good For Union Workers-1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-3Improves College Affordability-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+3Improves Government Transparency+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship-2Improves Racial Equity-1
- 1/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate