By Col. Dennis Freytes (USA, ret.)
Florida’s aerospace sector employs more than 144,000 people across the state, generating $17.7 billion annually. Its continued growth depends on the United States maintaining its decisive edge in artificial intelligence – technology that lies at the core of modern space systems, national security and industrial innovation. And that’s why Congress needs to ensure that our most advanced AI chips stay out of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) hands and firmly in the service of American competitiveness.
These processors power the next-generation AI systems that will define American competitiveness and defense capability. But action from the Trump administration alone won't hold. Without legislation, our AI policy remains vulnerable to future trade negotiations amid shifting geopolitical pressures.
The AI Overwatch Act, a bipartisan measure championed by Florida’s own Brian Mast, seeks to implement common sense Congressional oversight on the export of our most advanced chips to our adversaries. The legislation would also ensure that American companies get priority access to our most advanced technology and send a clear signal that the United States intends to lead the global race for AI dominance.
Export controls, supply chain security and American AI leadership remain urgent issues for Congress to address. This bill not only protects our national security and economic future, but it also promotes an America First AI policy by ensuring that AI chip exports to foreign adversaries does not limit access domestically.
Back home in Florida, this is about jobs, economic prosperity and the future of one of our state’s most important industries.
The Kennedy Space Center contributes $5.25 billion a year to Florida’s economic output and supports nearly 27,000 jobs. Space Florida projects an additional $5.3 billion impact over the next five years.
Major aerospace employers drive this ecosystem: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies (headquartered right here in Melbourne), Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace. These companies deserve first access to breakthrough AI technology.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has made AI central to its military and economic ambitions, with a track record of copying American technology to close the gap. From semiconductors to aircraft designs, Chinese firms have repeatedly exploited access to American innovations to erode our competitive edge.
Evidence suggests chip restrictions work. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that U.S. export controls have created severe chip shortages in China, forcing government intervention and delaying releases from top AI companies.
We've seen what happens when CCP-sponsored technology infiltrates critical American systems.
House GOP leaders recently called for a federal investigation into Chinese-made tech products, citing past cyberattacks and the risk of compromised infrastructure. As they warned, a compromised power grid or telecommunications network can pose as great a threat as a military strike. Advanced AI chips in the wrong hands would raise similar concerns because these systems will increasingly govern the infrastructure that keeps Florida's economy running.
President Trump's AI Action Plan aims to secure America's technological edge while fostering domestic innovation. In order to execute this plan, Congress should lock in protections and oversight that shield our most valuable assets from theft and guarantee American companies like those leading Florida's aerospace sector have priority access to cutting-edge technology.
The aerospace industry has long been one of Florida's proudest economic engines—a source of good jobs, technological innovation, and global influence. Protecting its future depends on lasting American AI leadership. Florida's congressional delegation should continue to champion policies that protect our national security, safeguard Florida's economic future and keep the United States ahead in the AI race.
