Congress Seeks Testimony on Nvidia Chip Exports to China

Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott has asked Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify in December as lawmakers examine advanced-chip exports to China and allegations involving a Nvidia customer. Lutnick has agreed to appear voluntarily, according to a spokesperson; Huang was asked to do the same.

Scott requested Huang’s appearance at a public hearing on December 3 and Lutnick’s on December 10. The committee has jurisdiction over export controls, including rules governing Nvidia’s advanced chips. Scott said the panel could use subpoenas if Huang does not appear. The requests follow questions about whether restricted technology was diverted or sensitive company information was exposed. Neither has been established.

Separately, three House committee chairs, Brian Mast, John Moolenaar and Rick Crawford, requested closed-door interviews with Huang on December 1 and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter on December 2. Their inquiry concerns chip exports and possible exposure of company information. The chairs set a deadline for the two to agree to interviews, with subpoenas among the possible next steps, according to the account of their request.