Republican lawmakers are continuing to press for testimony from Nvidia's former CEO Jensen Huang, who resigned following reports of an affair with an alleged Chinese spy. Lawmakers have raised concerns about national security implications given Huang's former role leading the world's largest computer chip manufacturer.
"The concerns are our national security, whether he was being influenced by a Chinese spy, and the Chinese intelligence was gathering information about our crown jewels of American technology, and also this issue of chip diversion," said Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the China Select Committee. Moolenaar added that he would support a congressional subpoena to compel Huang's testimony.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Brian Mast and Moolenaar stated that they are in active conversations with Huang to schedule testimony. "If for some reason that were not to happen, all three committees, all three chairs have said we will use our subpoena power," Moolenaar said.
Previously, Mast, Moolenaar, and House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Rick Crawford sent Huang a letter requesting he appear for a "joint, closed-door briefing." Moolenaar indicated that Huang responded to the letter and they are discussing a suitable date.
Rep. Jay Obernolte suggested that Huang's affair should not overshadow the discussion about export policies for advanced chips. "I hope we can keep the conversation centered around the pros and cons of our export policy regarding our most advanced chips, and you know, not talk about, you know, personal peccadillos,” Obernolte said.
On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Congress requires more information from Huang, Nvidia, and the administration despite Huang's resignation. Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons have requested that the White House and the Departments of Commerce and State preserve all documents related to the export of NVIDIA's advanced AI chips to China. They also requested a briefing for members of Congress.
Some Republicans expressed less concern about Huang's previous access to President Donald Trump, even with the reported affair being known to intelligence communities. "I'm not concerned about -- about Jensen's access to the president. I'm sure the president can take care of that," Obernolte remarked.
Republicans aim to secure Huang's testimony before the transition of majority control to Democrats in January. "You know, it's obviously -- with him resigning -- that does change the dynamic," Moolenaar said. "He has stated he's a patriot. He has questioned people who viewed export controls as a sound policy. I would hope he would want to come in and have that discussion with us."