U.S. Tech Leaders Urge Congress to Ease Export Controls and Regulation to Maintain AI Leadership

On May 9, top executives from four major American tech companies testified before the U.S. Senate to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Among them were OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and Michael Intrator, co-founder of AI cloud infrastructure firm CoreWeave. The hearing, titled "Winning the AI Race: Strengthening America’s Computing and Innovation Capacity," focused on the opportunities and risks posed by AI and the steps needed to maintain U.S. global leadership.

Over the course of more than three hours, the executives addressed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, urging lawmakers to reduce regulatory barriers, invest heavily in AI infrastructure, and revise export controls—particularly those affecting AI chips—to ensure the U.S. stays ahead of competitors like China.

Sam Altman emphasized that continued American innovation could drive rapid societal progress in the years ahead, but warned that this would only be possible with significant infrastructure investments. “Infrastructure is critical,” he said, referring to data centers that can host vast server networks, as well as the power plants required to meet the soaring energy demands of AI computing.

Altman acknowledged the U.S. currently leads in AI development, with models from companies like OpenAI and Google among the most advanced globally. However, he cautioned that the margin of leadership over China is shrinking. “It’s hard to say how far ahead we are,” he noted, “but I don’t think we’ll be ahead for very long without continued support.”

Lisa Su echoed the call for greater infrastructure development and the need to support AI chip exports. “As an industry, we fully recognize the importance of national security,” she said. “But if our technologies can’t reach global markets, others will fill the gap.” She pointed out that while international competitors may currently lag behind, their technologies are advancing rapidly. “They may not be as good as ours today, but frequent use does drive innovation.”

Brad Smith was even more pointed, stating that the key to winning the AI race is whose technologies achieve broader global adoption. He also called for expanded AI education, a stronger technical workforce—including more electricians—and continued R&D investment.

Michael Intrator stressed the importance of accessible and affordable energy to power AI data centers and urged reform of permitting and regulatory processes that often delay infrastructure projects. “Sustaining U.S. leadership means ensuring our technologies can be deployed globally,” he said. He advocated for a balanced approach to export controls and trade agreements—one that protects national security while enabling the international reach of American AI innovations.

Senator Ted Cruz, Chair of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, opened the session by highlighting the urgency of the situation. “China has declared its ambition to lead the world in AI by 2030,” Cruz warned. “The U.S. is at a crossroads: do we continue on our path of entrepreneurial freedom and technological innovation, or do we adopt the more restrictive, top-down approach seen in parts of Europe?”

Cruz emphasized that a lighter regulatory touch on AI would require a coordinated effort between Congress and the executive branch. “We need to advance legislation that encourages long-term AI growth and innovation,” he stated.

Altman agreed, advocating for a federal framework that is understandable, low-intervention, and agile enough to keep pace with technological progress. He also noted that inconsistent AI regulations at the state level are placing additional burdens on companies.

In summary, the hearing revealed a strong consensus among tech leaders and lawmakers: the U.S. must adopt a supportive policy environment for AI—one that emphasizes investment, infrastructure, and global competitiveness—to retain its leadership in this critical field.