As the global tech industry reels from the emergence of Chinese start-up DeepSeek, the US Congress is reacting quickly with proposals to separate US AI development from China and strengthen its competitive edge.

One of the most expansive efforts is a bill by Senator Josh Hawley that seeks to ban imports of AI technology and intellectual property developed or produced in China, as well as exports of US AI tech to China.

Introduced this week, the bill would also prohibit US companies from investing in any Chinese entity that conducts AI research or development or is involved in the production of software or hardware that incorporates AI-related research and development.

“Every dollar and gig of data that flows into Chinese AI are dollars and data that will ultimately be used against the United States,” Hawley, a Missouri Republican, said.

To become law, the bill would have to pass the full Senate and House of Representatives before being sent to the White House for the president’s signature. It currently has no confirmed cosponsors.