Technology has become the central arena of geopolitical competition. In this new landscape, market access and innovation capacity are no longer just commercial metrics. They are the primary instruments of national power. Yet, in a rush to secure American dominance, some in Washington are pushing legislation that threatens to dismantle the very engine of U.S. strength.

The proposed AI Overwatch Act would grant Congress veto power over AI export licenses. The goal is understandable. It makes sense not to provide adversarial powers with America’s latest technologies. However, by injecting additional legislative gridlock into already complex export controls, this bill could permanently damage U.S. competitiveness and accelerate the very geopolitical outcomes it seeks to prevent.