Republican Rep. Eric Burlison has called for the United States to intensify its efforts to maintain leadership in artificial intelligence, warning that America cannot afford to fall behind China in a technology increasingly linked to economic competitiveness and national security.
Burlison’s remarks reflect a broader position he has expressed throughout 2026. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, he has repeatedly described the U.S.-China AI competition as a defining economic and security challenge, arguing that American policymakers need to accelerate investment in AI infrastructure, energy and technology.
Eric Burlison Warns Against Falling Behind China
Burlison has argued that artificial intelligence could give countries significant economic and military advantages, making technological leadership a strategic issue rather than simply a competition between technology companies. In congressional remarks in April, he said nations that integrate and master AI first could gain substantial influence over the rules governing the technology for years to come.
In July, Burlison also led a congressional roundtable specifically focused on the economic competition between the United States and China. The discussion examined AI alongside manufacturing and energy, with Burlison arguing that China is seeking greater control over key industries and that the United States must maintain its technological leadership.
Eric Burlison Links AI Leadership to Energy and Data Centers
Burlison has also connected America’s AI ambitions to the availability of reliable electricity and computing infrastructure. In January, he argued that data centers are essential to artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and national defense, warning that insufficient infrastructure could leave the United States at a disadvantage against China.
His position has therefore included support for expanding data centers and power generation in the United States. In an August article, Burlison described reliable American power as a key component of competing in the AI race, while his congressional work has focused on reducing what he views as barriers to AI development and expanding the infrastructure required to support it.
Eric Burlison Pushes for an American AI Advantage
Burlison’s latest statement adds to his continuing call for a more aggressive American strategy on artificial intelligence. His argument is that maintaining U.S. leadership will require cooperation among Congress, technology companies, energy producers and other parts of the economy rather than relying solely on technological innovation from individual companies.
The broader U.S.-China AI competition involves questions about computing capacity, semiconductor manufacturing, energy availability, research talent, investment and the international adoption of AI systems. Burlison has argued that closing gaps in these areas is necessary to preserve American influence as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important to the global economy and national security.
For OGM News, Eric Burlison’s remarks highlight the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the strategic competition between Washington and Beijing, with U.S. policymakers increasingly debating how aggressively America should invest in the technology and infrastructure needed to maintain its position.
[…] […]