Bill > HR3447

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for enhancing the security of integrated circuit products (computer chips) during export to protect U.S. national security interests. The legislation requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement two levels of chip security mechanisms: primary and secondary. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must mandate that all covered integrated circuit products (specific high-tech computer chips and related equipment) be equipped with location verification technologies before export, and require exporters to report any suspicious activities like product diversion or tampering. Additionally, the bill mandates a year-long assessment to identify potential additional security mechanisms that could prevent unauthorized use, detect smuggling, and support U.S. foreign policy objectives. After this assessment, the Secretary may implement secondary security mechanisms within two years. The bill emphasizes protecting advanced U.S. technology, maintaining export control compliance, and supporting relationships with U.S. allies by ensuring that exported computing hardware cannot be easily misused or exploited. The Secretary is also required to conduct annual assessments of emerging chip security technologies and provide reports to congressional committees, with a focus on maintaining the confidentiality of the technologies and potentially offering more flexible export controls for products with robust security mechanisms.