Amazon is reportedly aligning itself with Microsoft, in support of new U.S. legislation aimed at placing tighter limits on Nvidia’s chip shipments to China, according to a Thursday report from the Wall Street Journal that cited individuals briefed on the discussions.
The proposed law, known as the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence (GAIN) Act, was introduced through the National Defense Authorization Act.
The measure would require companies that build AI processors to give priority to U.S. buyers when fulfilling orders for cutting-edge chips before exporting them to international clients.
Microsoft has already voiced its endorsement publicly, while Amazon’s cloud division has quietly indicated to Senate aides that it is also in favor, the report noted.
Meta Platforms, and Alphabet’s Google, have not taken an official stance on the GAIN Act, and neither has the U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the same report.
Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm the Journal’s account, and representatives for Amazon, Microsoft, and Anthropic did not immediately provide comment when contacted.
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Growing Industry Concerns and Geopolitical Tensions
Nvidia — which currently dominates the global market for advanced AI chips — has previously warned that the GAIN AI Act could reduce international competition for sophisticated processors.
The company has argued that the legislation may shrink the availability of high-performance computing resources abroad, potentially slowing technological development outside the United States.
The debate comes as Washington increases its focus on securing domestic access to powerful AI infrastructure. U.S. officials have repeatedly expressed concern that China could exploit advanced AI systems to enhance its military capabilities, prompting growing scrutiny over exports of high-end chips and related technologies.
The GAIN Act represents the latest effort by lawmakers to create safeguards that ensure American industries receive priority access to critical hardware.
At the same time, the bill highlights a broader struggle within the tech sector as companies navigate the complex intersection of business interests, national security priorities, and global supply chain pressures.
Supporters view the legislation as a necessary move to maintain the United States’ competitive edge in AI development, while critics fear that limiting exports too aggressively could damage international partnerships and stifle the overall pace of innovation in the field.
As discussions continue in Congress, the positions of major technology firms—particularly those that rely heavily on AI-driven cloud services—are expected to remain a central factor in shaping how the legislation advances.
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