Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott has escalated a congressional probe into potential Chinese infiltration of U.S. semiconductor technology, demanding testimony from two high-profile figures tied to the growing scandal. The South Carolina Republican sent letters Thursday requesting that former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appear before his committee in December.
National Security Concerns Drive Hearings
Scott cited “serious concerns about our national security” in social media posts announcing the requests, which come amid allegations that a businesswoman with reported ties to Huang may have facilitated the transfer of sensitive chip technology to China. The senator warned that Huang could face a subpoena if he declines to voluntarily testify at a December 3 hearing.
The controversy centers on Alice Huang, a Singapore-based executive whose company Megaspeed has drawn U.S. government scrutiny over suspected diversion of Nvidia chips to China. While authorities haven’t confirmed whether she acted as a Chinese operative, the Justice Department acknowledged Thursday that the investigation remains ongoing.
Commerce Department Under Microscope
Scott scheduled Lutnick’s appearance for December 10, emphasizing the Commerce Department’s critical role in enforcing export controls on advanced semiconductors. The request follows reports that Commerce officials resisted blacklisting Megaspeed despite pressure from other agencies—a decision that came under renewed scrutiny after revelations that Nvidia’s general counsel contacted the department about the company.
Politico reported the scandal has sparked internal White House discussions about Lutnick’s future, with bipartisan frustration mounting over the department’s handling of the case. House Republicans separately requested closed-door interviews with Huang and Nvidia’s top lawyer, signaling expanding congressional interest in the matter.
Leadership Shakeup Amid Scrutiny
The developments coincided with Jensen Huang’s abrupt resignation as Nvidia CEO on Thursday, though the company didn’t link his departure to the controversy. Neither Huang nor Lutnick had publicly responded to the Senate requests by Thursday evening.
China has denied espionage allegations involving Alice Huang, who couldn’t be reached for comment according to Reuters. The Senate Banking Committee maintains jurisdiction over export controls, with Scott vowing to use “all tools” necessary to secure testimony about potential vulnerabilities in U.S. technology safeguards.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/nvidia-scandal-hits-capitol-hill-as-senator-wants-answers-from-two-big-names