MATCH Act Poised for Inclusion in Senate NDAA to Strengthen Semiconductor Export Controls
A bipartisan bill, the Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware Act (MATCH Act), is expected to be included in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation aims to close loopholes in U.S. semiconductor export controls by encouraging allied nations to adopt similar restrictions on selling advanced chipmaking tools to adversaries, primarily China. The MATCH Act, introduced by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), addresses the current asymmetry where U.S. restrictions are often stricter than those of its allies. This disparity can put U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage and allow restricted technology to still reach unintended recipients through other countries. A companion bill, H.R. 8170, has also been introduced in the House by Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-5), indicating bicameral support for the initiative. 
