Stop Stealing our Chips Act
Stop Stealing our Chips Act
Plain Language Summary
# Stop Stealing our Chips Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Stop Stealing our Chips Act would create a new whistleblower program within the Department of Commerce to encourage people to report illegal exports of sensitive technology and equipment. Specifically, it would reward individuals who provide information about violations of U.S. export control laws—particularly those involving "dual-use" items (products that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, like advanced computer chips). If someone's tip leads to the government successfully fining a violator or seizing illegal goods, that person could receive a financial reward. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily targets companies and individuals engaged in illegal exports of sensitive U.S.
technology, as well as potential whistleblowers who might have knowledge of such violations. It strengthens protections for people who come forward with this information. The bill operates under existing export control rules, so it doesn't create new restrictions on what can be exported—it simply adds incentives and legal protections to catch those breaking current law. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Thomas Kean (R-NJ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
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 (1) 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; or (2) requiring the forfeiture of property that results in net proceeds.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 requires BIS to pay an award to certain whistleblowers 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 employers from impeding communication or retaliating against individuals who act as whistleblowers, and (2) establishing confidentiality requirements.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.