In a recent hearing of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) questioned Intel Corporation’s Chief Trade Officer Jeff Rittener regarding the company’s significant investments in Chinese artificial intelligence and other technologies. The session scrutinized Intel’s financial decisions amidst its relationship with China.
Senator Hawley criticized Rittener for prioritizing Beijing, which he described as America’s chief competitor, over Intel’s employees. He highlighted the disparity between executive compensation and workforce reductions at Intel.
“Did you think it was efficient to give your CEO a 45 percent pay increase year-over-year, while you’re cutting 15,000 jobs?” Senator Hawley asked Rittener.
The senator also raised concerns about China’s use of forced labor. Rittener avoided directly addressing these issues, stating he is “not an expert” on the subject.
“It doesn’t take an expert,” Senator Hawley responded. “It should not be hard to say that American jobs are important, American national security’s important, and slave labor is wrong,” he concluded.
The full exchange can be viewed here or by clicking on the image above.
