US Senate Passes GAIN Act, Prioritizing Domestic AI and HPC Chip Sales

New legislation could worsen global crypto mining challenges as chip exports face tighter controls

The United States Senate has passed a key amendment under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aimed at strengthening domestic access to artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) chips.

The amendment, known as the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 (GAIN Act), requires American chipmakers to fulfill domestic orders first before exporting advanced processors abroad.

Under the new provision, Congress would also have the authority to block export licenses for cutting-edge AI chips and mandate approval for any products containing “advanced integrated circuits.”

“Over the past several years, US firms have faced regular backlogs in purchasing chips. In late 2024, Nvidia’s Blackwell line was booked out nearly 12 months in advance,” said the policy group Americans for Responsible Innovation, highlighting ongoing supply bottlenecks.

Export Restrictions Could Hurt Crypto Mining

While the GAIN Act is designed to secure AI and defense supply chains, analysts warn it could further strain the global crypto mining industry. Mining hardware production depends heavily on international semiconductor supply chains, and tighter export rules may make ASIC and GPU acquisition more difficult.

Applicants for export licenses will be required to prove that all domestic US chip orders have been fulfilled before any overseas shipments can occur — a move that could significantly slow the delivery of mining equipment worldwide.

However, the GAIN Act remains an amendment to the NDAA, meaning it must still pass the House of Representatives and receive presidential approval before becoming law.

Tariffs and Trade Tensions Compound the Pressure

Crypto miners are already grappling with the effects of trade wars and tariffs imposed earlier this year. Following President Donald Trump’s 100% tariff announcement on Chinese imports, mining firms have faced mounting costs and uncertainty.

US-based mining company CleanSpark recently faced $185 million in liabilities after the US Customs and Border Protection claimed some of its imported hardware originated in China. Similarly, IREN, another American mining firm, incurred a $100 million duty-related charge.

Industry experts warn that rising costs and restricted chip access could reduce US miners’ global competitiveness, potentially shrinking the nation’s share of Bitcoin hashrate — the total computational power securing the blockchain.

If implemented, the GAIN Act could unintentionally undermine the US ambition to become a global crypto hub, as miners struggle with higher expenses and slower hardware access amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.