After Nvidia chief's resignation, Republicans step up pressure for his testimony in Congress
Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, the world's largest computer chip maker, resigned on Thursday morning. The resignation came after reports of his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy. Even after his resignation, Republican lawmakers continue to demand that he testify in Congress.
Republican Representative Tim Burchett said Huang's resignation was a 'good move'. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol on Thursday morning, he said the former Nvidia executive should now testify. 'I don't think he's got anything to hide now. Let it fly,' he said.
Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the China Select Committee, said lawmakers' concerns are growing as details of Huang's relationship continue to come to light. 'The concerns are our national security, whether he was being influenced by a Chinese spy, and the Chinese intelligence was gathering information about our crown jewels of American technology, and also this issue of chip diversion,' he said. Moolenaar also said he would support a congressional subpoena to compel Huang's testimony.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast and Moolenaar both say they are in active conversations with Huang to schedule testimony. Before resigning, Huang had signalled a willingness to testify. Moolenaar said: 'We are in discussions with him right now on a date to come and meet with us. If for some reason that were not to happen, all three committees, all three chairs have said we will use our subpoena power.'
Republican Representative Jay Obernolte, however, believes Huang's affair is a distraction. He said the conversation should stay centred on the pros and cons of export policy regarding the most advanced chips, not on personal matters.
Lawmakers had called for Huang to testify even before his resignation. Last week Mast, House Intelligence Committee chair Rick Crawford and Moolenaar sent Huang a letter requesting that he appear for a joint, closed-door briefing. Moolenaar said Huang responded to that letter and that they are discussing a date that works.
Congressional Republicans on the Select Committee on China also sent Huang a letter requesting that he appear for a closed-door briefing on November 18 concerning his relationship with Alice Huang. Jensen Huang has admitted to an affair, but he did not say with whom.
Huang has not responded to ABC News' previous requests for comment about testifying on Capitol Hill. ABC News is working to contact Huang on Thursday, after he left Nvidia.
On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on social media on Thursday morning that despite Huang's resignation, Congress needs more answers from Huang, Nvidia and the administration. 'Despite Jensen Huang's resignation, Congress must demand answers from Mr Huang and others at Nvidia about how they may have put US national security at risk,' Schumer wrote.
