Nvidia Scandal Draws Congress Into China Chip Probe. Lutnick Agrees to Testify.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed Thursday to testify before Congress as Republicans and Democrats demanded answers about whether the administration adequately protected sensitive U.S. technology amid the expanding Nvidia scandal.

His decision followed requests from Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., for separate appearances by Lutnick and Jensen Huang, who resigned Thursday as Nvidia's chief executive after reports of an affair with a suspected Chinese spy.

"Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the Banking Committee to address their questions," spokesperson Kristen Eichamer told NBC News. Scott requested that Huang testify Dec. 3 and Lutnick appear Dec. 10. The proposed hearings would examine national security concerns surrounding Nvidia and the Commerce Department's oversight of advanced semiconductor exports.

"Given the Department of Commerce's central role in issuing and enforcing export control regulations, your testimony before the Committee will be essential in our oversight of these efforts," Scott wrote to Lutnick.

Lawmakers are questioning whether Nvidia's powerful artificial intelligence chips reached Chinese companies through smuggling or other unauthorized channels, and whether federal officials failed to address weaknesses in export restrictions. Nvidia has said it complies with U.S. export laws.

The allegations involving Huang have intensified that scrutiny, but questions about possible intelligence connections and technology transfers remain under investigation. China has denied the espionage allegations and said the Justice Department has not concluded whether Alice Huang, the woman the Nvidia CEO had an affair with, was a spy.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Thursday that the secretary should appear voluntarily or potentially face a subpoena. One of the questions he wants answered is "Were export controls relaxed?"

Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., urged an appearance "ASAP," saying lawmakers had bipartisan concerns about chips apparently being exported despite President Donald Trump's orders to halt those shipments.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., also backed testimony, saying Lutnick should receive strong encouragement to cooperate without requiring a subpoena. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts demanded that Lutnick explain why export-control loopholes remained open and take action to prevent advanced American technology from benefiting China's military.

The White House defended the secretary, saying Trump "maintains complete confidence" in his ability to lead the Commerce Department. House lawmakers are pursuing their own inquiries.

Democratic Reps. Gregory Meeks of New York, Gabe Amo of Rhode Island and Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California sent Lutnick a letter Monday questioning the administration's approval of advanced AI chip exports amid reports of potential Chinese intelligence ties to Huang.

They asked what Commerce officials knew about the reported connections, when senior officials were informed and why exports continued despite the concerns. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., said Thursday that Huang had agreed to brief lawmakers, although arrangements were still being negotiated.

A letter requested a closed-door, transcribed interview Dec. 1 and threatened a subpoena unless Huang confirmed by Friday evening. Some senators argue that December is too late for Lutnick to begin answering questions. "Come here before Thanksgiving. Give us the facts," Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said Thursday.

Tillis, who is leaving Congress in January, said Lutnick would benefit from explaining himself while Republicans still control both chambers, before Democrats take over next year. The secretary should recognize that Republicans remain willing to support him, Tillis said, while distancing himself from that group. "I'm not one of them, but he does," he said.