The US Senate Banking Committee has requested former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify about national security risks and export controls of American AI chips to China.
Bloomberg Law reported this on November 13, citing letters from the committee chairman, Republican Senator Tim Scott.
Huang was asked to appear before senators on December 3, and Lutnick - on December 10. Both invitations are voluntary.
At the same time, Scott warned the former Nvidia chief that if he declines, the committee may use its powers to issue a mandatory subpoena.
The basis for the congressional probe were reports about Huang's personal ties to a woman suspected by US law enforcement of collaborating with Chinese intelligence. These circumstances raised questions about potential access of foreign entities to Nvidia's sensitive technologies.
Senators are also focusing on the activities of the US Commerce Department, which is responsible for issuing permits and enforcing restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports. Lawmakers want to find out how effectively the agency controlled the supply of American AI chips and prevented them from reaching China bypassing established restrictions.
Lutnick's spokesperson Kristen Aikammer confirmed to NBC News that the secretary agreed to voluntarily appear before the Senate Banking Committee. At the same time, there is no official confirmation of Huang's participation specifically in Senate hearings.
Pressure on Nvidia intensified after Jensen Huang's resignation on November 12. He stepped down as CEO amid reports about personal relationships that raised concerns among US lawmakers regarding national security.
In addition to the Senate, committees of the US House of Representatives are demanding explanations from the former head of the chipmaker. They are also considering issuing mandatory subpoenas if he refuses to cooperate.
Suspicions about possible espionage and export control violations are not yet established facts. China denies espionage allegations, and US law enforcement's final conclusions about the involvement of the mentioned woman in Chinese intelligence have not been made public.
Based on materials from: Bloomberg Law, NBC News
