Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have criticized Lam Research for not providing requested documents. The documents pertain to the company's sale of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, as part of an ongoing investigation by the committee.
The investigation began last November, targeting companies including ASML, Applied Materials, KLA, Lam Research, and Tokyo Electron. This was in response to reports about increasing exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment from the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands to China. These exports could potentially enhance China's military capabilities and accelerate its progress in artificial intelligence.
The committee had initially requested detailed information regarding sales to China and transactions involving sensitive technologies. In a recent statement, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with Lam Research's failure to meet deadlines for document submission. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring U.S. security interests are protected.
Chairman Moolenaar stated that transparency in semiconductor equipment flow to China is a priority for Congress. He highlighted the importance of preventing U.S. technology from inadvertently strengthening China's position. "Our nation's security and technological leadership depend on accountability and robust oversight," he said.
Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi underscored the danger posed by China obtaining advanced chips or machines needed for their production. He reiterated the committee's dedication to safeguarding U.S. AI leadership and urged full cooperation from all companies involved in the investigation.
"The Select Committee is committed to safeguarding U.S. AI leadership," Krishnamoorthi stated, emphasizing that semiconductors are central to strategic competition with China.
The letter sent by lawmakers to Lam Research remains available for review.
