Major technology companies are rallying behind the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence (GAIN) AI Act, a legislative effort aimed at curbing Nvidia’s exports of advanced AI chips to China. Incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act, the bill mandates that AI chip manufacturers prioritize fulfilling domestic orders before supplying foreign buyers. Microsoft has publicly endorsed the legislation, while Amazon’s cloud division has privately indicated support to Senate staffers. AI startup Anthropic is also reportedly a backer.

The GAIN AI Act introduces new trade restrictions, requiring exporters to obtain licenses for shipments of high-performance chips. The legislation specifies that licenses should be denied for AI chips with total processing power above 4,800 if US entities are waiting, effectively ensuring that domestic demand is met before foreign exports. Meanwhile, other tech giants such as Meta Platforms and Alphabet’s Google have not publicly stated a position, nor has US President Donald Trump weighed in.

Nvidia, the world’s leading chip manufacturer, has strongly opposed the proposed legislation. On Friday, the company warned that the GAIN AI Act could stifle international competition for advanced chips, potentially limiting computing capabilities available globally. A company spokesperson stated, “We never deprive American customers in order to serve the rest of the world. In trying to solve a problem that does not exist, the proposed bill would restrict competition worldwide in any industry that uses mainstream computing chips.”

This legislative push aligns with broader US strategies to prioritize domestic interests and limit China’s access to high-end AI technology. Lawmakers cite concerns that advanced AI capabilities could be leveraged for military applications. The GAIN Act shares similarities with earlier AI diffusion regulations proposed by President Joe Biden, which sought to allocate computing power to allies and select nations, highlighting a continued strategic approach to AI leadership and national security.