House Committee Calls for Expanded AI Safety Institute Role

House Committee Urges Expanded Role for AI Safety Institute in Addressing China’s AI Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is pushing for the U.S. AI Safety Institute (AISI) to take on a broader role in countering national security threats posed by China’s rapid AI advancements. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Committee Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. to better understand and prepare for China’s AI progress, particularly in light of recent developments like DeepSeek’s large language model, R1.

The lawmakers highlighted multiple national security risks associated with China’s AI developments, including the funneling of Americans’ private data to the PRC, manipulation of AI model outputs in accordance with PRC laws, and the potential theft of U.S. AI technology through model distillation. These concerns were underscored by the Committee’s investigation into DeepSeek, which revealed significant vulnerabilities in the current AI landscape.

“As AI systems continue to improve, the need to predict and prepare for PRC AI developments—and to avoid strategic surprise—will only grow more urgent,” the lawmakers warned. They called for a whole-of-government approach to ensure the U.S. maintains its dominance in frontier AI development, noting that AISI’s unique technical expertise and strong industry partnerships make it a critical player in this effort.

Proposed Expansion of AISI’s Mission

The Committee proposed expanding AISI’s mission to include a focused effort on monitoring and analyzing PRC AI development. This expansion would leverage AISI’s experience in testing and evaluations to provide the U.S. with the tools necessary to stay ahead of China’s AI capabilities. The lawmakers emphasized that AISI’s role is essential in ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI innovation while safeguarding national security interests.

“AISI’s technical expertise and partnerships with industry make it uniquely positioned to support U.S. national security in this critical area,” the letter stated. The Committee also expressed its intention to engage with AISI to better understand its ongoing work and resourcing needs related to these challenges.

Key Concerns Highlighted by the Committee

The investigation into DeepSeek’s R1 model highlighted several alarming issues that underscore the need for immediate action. The model’s potential to funnel private data to the PRC, combined with the risk of manipulation under PRC laws, raises significant concerns about the security of U.S. AI technology. Additionally, the threat of technology theft through model distillation—a process that allows adversaries to replicate AI capabilities without authorization—further emphasizes the urgency of the situation.

“The risks posed by China’s AI advancements are not theoretical—they are real and immediate,” Chairman Moolenaar stated. He stressed that a coordinated government response, with AISI at the forefront, is essential to mitigate these threats and ensure U.S. dominance in AI.

Future Steps and Collaboration

The Committee’s proposal marks a significant step in addressing the national security challenges posed by China’s AI progress. By expanding AISI’s role, the U.S. aims to leverage its technical strengths and industry partnerships to stay ahead of potential threats. The lawmakers also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure a comprehensive approach to AI safety and security.

“We look forward to working closely with AISI to address these critical issues and ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in AI innovation,” Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi said. The full letter outlining the Committee’s proposal is available for further review.