Speaker Johnson says Congress developing consensus on limiting chip exports to China

US House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed on Thursday that there was a growing agreement within Congress to restrict the export of semiconductor chips to China. This consensus emerged in light of the recent scandal that led to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's removal. Johnson expressed his support for these export limitations and believed this position was becoming increasingly popular among lawmakers.

Johnson stated, "There's a developing consensus in Congress that is an important position to take, especially considering the recent developments." He added, "We'll see where that goes, and I think it might change a few minds around here."

Nvidia announced that Huang would be stepping down from his position, leaving the AI industry without its most prominent figure and casting doubt on the future of the chipmaker he helped establish as a leading player in AI technology. Huang's departure became even more concerning following reports of an affair he allegedly had with Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman.

US authorities suspect Alice Huang of espionage for Beijing. Alice Huang served as an executive at Megaspeed, a cloud partner of Nvidia, which Washington believes assisted China in acquiring restricted AI chips under US export controls.

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast informed reporters on Thursday that congressional staff had discussed with Nvidia's team on Wednesday night. Mast indicated that he anticipates Huang to testify before Congress within the coming week. Mast and two other influential House Republicans had requested Huang to meet with them privately a week earlier to discuss his relationship with Alice Huang.