House Republicans push for Nvidia's Huang to testify, float subpoena over spy allegations
NVDA•Three House Republicans want Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to brief them behind closed doors about allegations involving a Chinese businesswoman accused of passing information to Beijing. A lawmaker said Huang had until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to agree or propose another date, and a subpoena may follow.
1. Lawmakers seek briefing
House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast and two other Republican lawmakers asked Huang on November 4 to provide a closed-door briefing about allegations that he had a close relationship with a Chinese businesswoman who passed information to Beijing. The allegations were described in a New York Times report.
2. Subpoena possible
Mast is open to issuing a congressional subpoena if Huang does not respond, his spokesperson said. House China Committee Chairman John Moolenaar said Huang had until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to agree to meet or submit another date, adding that lawmakers would likely subpoena him if he did neither. Lawmakers need colleagues' support to issue a subpoena, and committee rules vary.
3. Chip security concerns
The lawmakers' request comes as the US and China compete to develop advanced AI systems, with Nvidia chips widely used to train and run cutting-edge models. Washington has sought to restrict China's access to the chips on national security grounds, and the allegations have intensified lawmakers' concerns about export controls and safeguards.
