U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), along with several other committee and subcommittee chairs, have highlighted the risk associated with China's development of artificial intelligence technology. This concern was voiced in a letter scrutinizing a UCLA AI scientist for receiving federal grants while maintaining connections to China's AI military research.
Gallagher stated, "Mr. Zhu has openly discussed how, if China takes the lead in developing a 'truly universal intelligence,' then it will 'become the winner of the international technology competition'." He added, "He has also referred to the AI race as being equivalent in military importance to the race for the atomic bomb." Gallagher concluded by saying, "In a period of intensifying geopolitical competition with the CCP, ceasing federal government support for Chinese AI development is a critical national security imperative."
According to a recent press release from the Select Committee on the CCP, an investigation led by Rep. Gallagher has been initiated into UCLA AI researcher Song-Chun Zhu's funding. The inquiry follows a Newsweek report that revealed Zhu had received "at least $30 million" in research grants despite his involvement in projects aiding Chinese military research and a CCP talent initiative. The press release further disclosed that Zhu continued to receive support from the Department of Defense and National Science Foundation even after his move to China.
The letter sent to UCLA's Chancellor not only expressed concern but also included a list of questions seeking more information about Zhu, his affiliation with UCLA and other organizations, how he used his grant money, and details on UCLA's grant policy. A response is requested by January 31.
Gallagher has represented Wisconsin's 8th District since 2017 according to his House biography on his website. A Princeton and Georgetown alumnus with multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in international relations, Gallagher's career includes seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps with deployments to Iraq, a role in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and private sector experience. He currently chairs the Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, as well as other committees such as the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Gallagher, is committed to fostering bipartisan agreement on the risks posed by the CCP and formulating a strategy to protect American citizens, values, and economics according to its about page.
