Stop Stealing our Chips Act
Stop Stealing our Chips Act
Plain Language Summary
# Stop Stealing our Chips Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Stop Stealing our Chips Act would create a financial reward program for whistleblowers who report illegal exports of sensitive U.S. technology and equipment. Specifically, it would allow the Department of Commerce to pay individuals who provide information about violations of U.S. export control laws—rules that restrict the sale of certain goods (like semiconductors and military-related items) to foreign countries.
The bill also requires the Commerce Department to set up a secure online system for people to submit these reports confidentially. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects companies involved in exporting technology and equipment, as increased whistleblowing could lead to more enforcement actions and fines. It also affects individuals who work at or have knowledge of such companies and might report illegal activity. The bill reflects concerns about sensitive American technology, particularly computer chips, being illegally exported to countries like China. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 1473, introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota) and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Stop Stealing our Chips ActThis bill creates a whistleblower incentive program and establishes whistleblower protections for individuals who provide information to the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) related to violations of U.S. export control laws. Currently, BIS administers and enforces controls on the export of dual-use goods (e.g., items with both civilian and military uses) and certain military parts and components. These export controls are implemented primarily under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) through the Export Administration Regulations.Under the bill, BIS must establish a whistleblower incentive program to reward individuals who voluntarily report original information that results in BIS imposing fines under ECRA on persons that violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a violation of ECRA or any related regulation, order, license, or authorization.Additionally, BIS must establish a secure online portal for whistleblowers to report violations of ECRA. The bill outlines requirements for BIS to review, investigate, and provide status updates related to these reports.The bill authorizes BIS to pay an award to any whistleblower who voluntarily reported original information that led to the imposition of a fine under ECRA. The bill establishes the Export Compliance Accountability Fund for paying these awards and funding related activities.The bill also sets forth whistleblower protections by (1) prohibiting retaliation against individuals who act as whistleblowers, and (2) establishing confidentiality requirements.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.