A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a measure Friday to restrict China-made AI data components in federal networks. The proposed bill prohibits the government from procuring optical transceivers—devices essential for high-speed data transmission in AI data centers—from companies including Zhongji Innolight and Eoptolink. The measure specifically targets systems tied to national security, noting that some data centers rely on millions of such units and that Innolight has already been flagged by the Pentagon for ties to the Chinese military.

If passed, the legislation would provide a 5 year transition period for agencies to replace existing hardware and allow US and allied manufacturers to scale production. The Commerce Department is tasked with assessing the production capacities of trusted partners to harden the supply chain, while the secretaries of Commerce and Defense may designate additional firms for the ban. The bill allows for limited, renewable waivers in cases where no trusted alternatives are available.