Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8287
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-13T17:35:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026 (H.R. 8287) aims to evaluate the real-world impact and success of U.S. export controls on semiconductors and related technology to the People's Republic of China (PRC). It requires a detailed government report to inform national security, foreign policy, and economic decisions in the U.S.-PRC technology competition, emphasizing transparency through public disclosure.
Key Provisions
- Sense of Congress: Affirms that U.S. export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment and advanced chips are vital for national security and the AI race with China; stresses the need for data-driven assessments and public reporting on their effects.
- Required Report (due 360 days after enactment):
- Prepared by the Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (IN&R), in coordination with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security (BIS) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
- Submitted to key congressional committees (House Foreign Affairs; Senate Foreign Relations and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs).
- Includes:
- Inventory of all U.S. semiconductor and manufacturing equipment export controls on China, with details on type (e.g., technology, end-use, or end-user controls), imposition date, unilateral vs. multilateral nature.
- Impact Analysis (with quantitative data where possible): Effects on China's military, intelligence, AI development, chip industry; U.S. companies' revenue/market share; U.S. tech leadership; control effectiveness.
- Foreign Availability: Assessment of comparable tech from non-U.S. sources, including China or U.S. allies.
- Additional Elements: Most/least successful controls; failed controls harming U.S. industry; recommendations for industry cooperation, control refinements, enforcement, and closing loopholes (e.g., diversion risks).
- Stakeholder Input: Consults federal agencies, U.S. semiconductor/private sector, academics, and think tanks.
- Form: Unclassified, posted online; optional classified annex.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new reporting requirement; does not amend or repeal existing export control laws (e.g., those under BIS or Export Administration Regulations).
- Mandates the first comprehensive, public inventory and data-driven evaluation of semiconductor controls specifically targeting China.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Burdens State (IN&R), Commerce (BIS), and ODNI with report production and stakeholder coordination; provides Congress data for oversight and policy adjustments.
- Citizens and Industry: Increases transparency for U.S. public and semiconductor firms on control effects (e.g., revenue losses/gains); may lead to refined controls benefiting or challenging U.S. companies.
- International Relations: Highlights U.S.-ally coordination on controls; could strengthen multilateral efforts or pressure allies on foreign availability; informs U.S.-China strategic competition without direct new restrictions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government: State Department (IN&R), Commerce (BIS), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Congress.
- Private Sector: U.S. semiconductor, manufacturing equipment, and advanced computing companies (e.g., affected by revenue/market shifts).
- PRC Entities: Military, intelligence, AI developers, chip industry (subject to controls).
- Others: U.S. allies/partners (multilateral controls, foreign availability); academics, think tanks.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing executive authority for export controls; enforceable via congressional oversight but no new penalties or mechanisms.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's foreign commerce and national security powers (Article I, Section 8); promotes informed policymaking without infringing executive functions.
- Political: Signals bipartisan concern (introduced by Reps. Stanton and Issa) over U.S.-China tech rivalry; pushes for evidence-based refinements amid debates on economic costs vs. security benefits; enhances accountability through public reporting.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-22: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 43 - 0.
- 2026-04-22: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-04-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-15 — PDF (7 pages)