Tech leaders urge lawmakers to boost exports, infrastructure to outpace China in AI race

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Top tech executives met with lawmakers Thursday on Capitol Hill, telling them increasing exports and improving infrastructure will be key to the U.S. beating China in the artificial intelligence race.

American dominance in AI depends on two factors. Innovation and adoption," said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) adding, "If we don't collaborate here, if we throw down on politics instead of getting policy right, we won't move fast.

Senator Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, is looking to cut regulatory barriers to U.S. artificial intelligence.

"We need to advance legislation that promotes long-term AI growth and innovation," said Cruz.

Microsoft President Brad Smith told lawmakers, the AI race between the U.S. and China will come down to whose technology is most broadly adopted worldwide.

"We need to export with the right kinds of controls. We need to win the trust of the rest of the world," Smith said.

To make that happen, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman discussed investing in infrastructure, including data centers and power stations needed to fuel AI.

"Build the data centers. Permit the electricity. We'd love to bring chip production here, network production here, server rec production here," Altman said.

Smith also called for more AI education to accelerate training and adoption.

"Never underestimate what a person can do if given a better technology tool," said Smith.

Cruz also praised the Trump administration's plan to modify a Biden-era rule that curbed the export of sophisticated AI chips. Both the administration and a number of AI companies said, the rule would make selling abroad difficult.