Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
Tech advocacy group Americans for Responsible Innovation is pushing back against the Trump administration's slashing of the agency in charge of export control policy.
Why it matters: The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) workload is piling up as AI proliferates and export controls serve as a tool to counter China.
Driving the news: The Office of Management and Budget last week announced it would block roughly $3 billion worth of federal funds, including about $20 million from BIS.
- That's more than 10% of its budget, per Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray.
What they're saying: "BIS's work is more critical now than ever, particularly given the escalating technological competition and security threats posed by adversaries such as China and Russia," ARI wrote in a letter shared exclusively with Axios.
- The group listed other important work the agency does, including enabling public-private partnerships, securing supply chains, and influencing global tech standards.
- The group cited reports that BIS has just two inspection officers for all of China.
ARI sent the letter to OMB director Russell Vought, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler.
What we're watching: The Trump administration inherited a global AI export control regime from the previous administration that would be difficult to enforce with a hamstrung BIS.
- The deadline to submit comments on the new rule is May 15.
