In an essay published in the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation’s 2025 Hatch Center Policy Review, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, outlined concerns about the United States potentially losing its leadership position in artificial intelligence (AI) to China. The essay, titled "Dominance, Deployment, and Safeguards: The Path for American AI Leadership," details strategies to enhance U.S. innovation, secure supply chains, and expand global influence.
Chairman Guthrie stated: “One of the defining traits of the American experiment has been a commitment to exploring the unknown. From the early explorers who first landed in the Americas to the modern technology industry that has placed a powerful computer in the pocket of every American, we are a nation of trailblazers."
He continued by highlighting competition from China: “What makes this moment unique is the pending threat to America’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) technology by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP)–backed companies, many of which have developed advanced technologies nearly at parity with that of American AI companies. Knowing that the AI revolution will define economic growth and global competitiveness for the next century, the United States must choose to innovate."
Guthrie pointed out national security risks associated with reliance on foreign supply chains: “The stakes couldn’t be higher. China already deploys next-generation technologies to advance many of the regime’s most sinister goals focused on enhancing the power of its Orwellian surveillance state utilizing advanced computing. Even more concerning to the American public is the threat of an adversary’s technology stack serving as the building blocks for future advancements or as a strategic chokehold. For example, we have unfortunately learned this lesson the hard way through Chinese bottlenecks related to telecommunications equipment and critical mineral mining and processing."
He noted bipartisan agreement on strengthening supply chains: “Strengthening our supply chains is an area where Republicans and Democrats largely agree. Even the Biden Administration took dramatic action to address national security risks from autonomous and connected vehicles to prevent cars and trucks built by CCP-aligned manufacturers from operating in the United States."
“President Trump has also been crystal clear: American supply chains can no longer rely on our adversaries’ goodwill. China will use any economic and technological leverage over Americans and the products we use if given the opportunity. The ongoing threat of China doesn’t just call for an agenda that restricts aggression... but also an agenda that promotes American innovation at home and abroad,” he added.
Guthrie described three guiding principles for his committee's approach: “At the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, we have three pillars that guide our approach to AI: dominance, deployment, and safeguards.”
“For...dominant in AI," he said, "we must be ones...to actually develop and deploy these new technologies at scale....we still need to increase our energy production...and ensure our regulatory environment is structured..."
Comparing approaches globally, Guthrie wrote: “China has chosen...top-down government control...the American model of bottom-up, free-market capitalism has long been...the engine of innovation for world....more efficient in long run.”
He criticized heavy regulation elsewhere: “Unfortunately,...our allies across Atlantic have taken opposite approach....Onerous,...conflicting,...regulations are suffocating European technology companies....grounding AI industry there before it can even get off ground.”
“And to those who recommend America follow that path,” he added,“I would remind you: We are not in a race with Europe to regulate. We are in a race with China to innovate.”
Guthrie warned against inconsistent state laws hampering progress domestically:“A patchwork of state laws here at home would have same effect,...stalling AI development..."
On international standards setting:“It is vitally important for American technology companies to be ones setting global technology standards..."
Discussing infrastructure needs:“But maintaining global leadership cannot occur without deploying energy and broadband infrastructure at scale....AI data centers effectively convert energy into intelligence…”
He cited benefits across sectors such as telecommunications—where improved reliability could help during emergencies—and transportation—where autonomous vehicles may improve safety outcomes.
“In health care,” Guthrie said,“AI can expedite repetitive,...administrative processes that slow treatment...,freeing providers...Supporting—not replacing—health care professionals has long been a critical priority...,and artificial intelligence may represent a generational opportunity..."
He addressed child protection online:“With AI advancements continuing...,American families deserve tools as sophisticated as platforms their kids are using....Energy & Commerce Committee is also working make internet safer for kids..."
On privacy concerns:“Similarly,...Americans should be entitled commonsense data privacy protections…Passing one national,…data privacy bill…would be critical step toward restoring trust online…”
Concluding his remarks,Guthrie wrote:“Artificial intelligence is already helping raise tide so every American can benefit....Continuing momentum requires commitments…and intentional decisions by leaders…Challenges will inevitably arise…but…never stopped our nation from innovating…”
“The rest of this century will either belong United States & its allies or China.…If we cede technological edge,…risk losing ability expand influence abroad…and provide platform for China expand authoritarian state…"
“The strong U.S economy & workers greatest assets we have.…As long as choose embrace those strengths instead holding ourselves back,…America continue succeed.…Our leadership made world stronger & more prosperous recent decades…and don’t plan stopping now.”
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees federal agencies including those responsible for energy policy, health care systems oversight such as Department of Health & Human Services,and issues ranging from environmental protection,to broadband expansion,and pharmaceutical costs according to its official website. Established originally in 1795,the committee remains one oldest standing committees focusing on legislation related not only energy but also health care,telcommunications,and consumer issues (source). It continues influencing policy areas like broadband deployment,infrastructure investment,and public health initiatives (source).
