Decoupling America's Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would aim to _decouple U.S. artificial intelligence capabilities from the People's Republic of China_. It would do that by banning China-developed AI imports and exports, criminalizing certain AI research and data transfers tied to Chinese "entities of concern," and blocking U.S. ownership or financing of those China AI firms.
Show full summary
- Researchers and academic institutions would be barred from knowingly conducting or collaborating on AI or generative AI research for, in, or with Chinese entities of concern, or from transferring related research information to them.
- U.S. businesses and investors would face new trade and investment limits, including a ban on importing China-developed AI tech and on exporting or transferring such tech to China starting 180 days after enactment, and a prohibition on holding or financing targeted China AI firms beginning one year after enactment.
- Violations would trigger civil and criminal penalties, including fines up to $100 million for entities and potential loss of federal benefits for 5 years, plus added immigration consequences for covered offenses.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Aggravated felony for China-linked AI research
This bill would add offenses under new section 2742 (doing AI research for the People’s Republic of China) to the list of aggravated felonies. If enacted, noncitizens convicted of those offenses could face deportation and lose access to many forms of immigration relief.
Ban on U.S. AI research tied to China
This bill would bar United States persons from doing, helping, or transferring AI or generative AI research that benefits the PRC, entities of concern, or PRC nationals working for those entities. Violations could bring large criminal and civil fines, forfeiture of federal contracts or grants, and a five-year ban on federal financial assistance. The Attorney General would write rules and lead enforcement in coordination with other agencies.
New definition of artificial intelligence
This bill would define 'artificial intelligence or generative artificial intelligence technology or intellectual property' as any technology or IP that could help create AI or generative AI capabilities. If enacted, that definition would decide which technologies, people, and transactions the bill's bans and rules cover.
Ban on financing certain Chinese AI firms
Starting one year after enactment, this bill would bar U.S. persons from knowingly holding or managing interests in, or lending to, Chinese entities of concern that do AI research, aid military-civil fusion, build surveillance systems, or are tied to human-rights abuses. The President could use emergency economic powers to implement the ban. Violators could face penalties like those under IEEPA.
Ban on importing and exporting China-made AI
On and after 180 days after enactment, this bill would bar importing AI technology or intellectual property developed or produced in China. It would also bar exporting, reexporting, or transferring such AI technology or IP to or within China. Willful violations could bring criminal penalties; other violations could bring civil penalties like those in the Export Control Reform Act. The Commerce Secretary would issue rules within 90 days.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
MO • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov