The US Senate has recently increased its scrutiny of Nvidia's China operations and AI chip exports. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declined an invitation to attend a hearing scheduled for June 11, putting the company under renewed scrutiny in Washington.
The hearing focused on China business.
The hearing, held by the Senate Banking Committee, covered topics including U.S. AI development, innovation capabilities, affordability, and U.S. dominance in the technology sector.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren had previously invited Jensen Huang to testify, focusing on Nvidia's business in China and how the company views U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced technologies.
Huang Renxun said he was unable to attend.
In his response, Jensen Huang stated that he was unable to attend the hearing, but was willing to invite Warren or other committee members to Nvidia's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, to discuss the company's technology, the U.S. AI ecosystem, and how to support the U.S. in maintaining its leading position.
Nvidia also stated that it delivered its first AI supercomputer to U.S. researchers more than a decade ago and has since supported U.S. research institutions, universities, startups, and commercial customers in advancing AI technology.
Warren demands a public response
Warren criticized Huang's decision not to attend. She stated that the public needs to hear answers in public, and that Nvidia is at the intersection of multiple issues, including artificial intelligence, economic competition, and national security.
According to Warren's office, staff are still seeking arrangements for Huang to communicate with the committee in an open manner, rather than just in a closed-door meeting at the company headquarters.
