US Senate approves $250bn boost for computer chip and AI technology to counter China

Legislation shows deeply divided parties are united on confronting China in the race for technologies of the future'

The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill to boost American semiconductor production and the development of artificial intelligence and other technology in the face of growing international competition, most notably from China.

The 68-32 vote for the bill on Tuesday demonstrates how confronting China economically is an issue that unites both parties in Congress. It is a rare unifying issue in an era of division as pressure grows on Democrats to change Senate rules to push past Republican opposition and gridlock.

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The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report