U.S. Senators Introduce Bill to Protect Domestic AI Technology from Foreign Threats

On June 30, 2026, Senators Tim Scott and Bill Hagerty introduced a bill designed to protect U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) technology from foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia. The proposed legislation aims to grant the U.S. Commerce Department expanded authority to effectively screen and block transactions involving AI technologies that originate from countries considered a national security threat.

The bill would empower the Commerce Department to block "transactions involving technology designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned, controlled, or directed by foreign adversary countries." This initiative emerges as the senators push for protections before the upcoming summer break and midterm elections, which could limit the bill's chances of moving forward unless it is integrated into other legislative measures.

Scott, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and co-author of last year's Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, emphasized that "Americans should not have to worry that China or Russia can use the technology in our cars, phones, or networks against us." Both countries have been identified as active threats in the cybersecurity realm, prompting legislative action to secure innovation in critical technology sectors.

The bill proposes the establishment of a dedicated position within the Commerce Department, namely the assistant secretary of commerce for information and communications technology supply chains, tasked with overseeing these protective measures. Additionally, it aims to ensure the continued public access to open-source AI software, ensuring innovation and transparency amid security concerns.

Earlier in June 2026, President Donald Trump issued an executive order endorsing the promotion of U.S. AI innovation, highlighting the importance of protecting American intellectual property from foreign exploitation.