Why It Matters
AMD is doubling down on Washington just as Congress debates the future of semiconductor exports and AI dominance. The chip industry faces an unprecedented policy crossroads: Congress is tightening export controls on advanced AI chips to China while simultaneously flooding the market with federal incentives for domestic manufacturing.
By the Numbers
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. has filed 235 lobbying reports since 2003, spending approximately $34.8 million on government relations. Nearly $30 million came from AMD’s in-house team.
AMD’s last quarter engagement with Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. costs $80,000 quarterly and represents strategic expansion alongside existing contracts with Ballard Partners LLC ($280,000) and J.Sullivan Advocacy LLC ($90,000).
Cornerstone brings five experienced lobbyists with bipartisan credentials. Stacy L. Rich offers twelve years of Senate Democratic experience as Leadership Staff Director for Sen. Patty Murray. Andrew J. Flick brings fifteen years in the House. James H.N. Peacock served as Chief of Staff to Republican members including Sen. Marco Rubio.
Unlike AMD’s traditional tech-focused partnerships, Cornerstone provides access to defense, aerospace, and healthcare sectors, representing Boeing Co. and General Dynamics Corp.—constituencies critical for framing semiconductor policy within national security contexts.
The Agenda
AMD is lobbying on semiconductor design, manufacturing, and AI policy across several interconnected issues:
- Tax incentives including support for the H.R.802 – STAR Act of 2025, creating a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design
- Supply chain security through bills like the H.R.2480 – Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2025
- Export controls on advanced chips to China, as Congress considers requiring congressional approval for such exports
- AI infrastructure investment and balanced regulation, following CEO Lisa Su’s Senate testimony on U.S. AI capabilities
- R&D tax credits and intellectual property protection for proprietary chip designs
Broader Context
AMD’s engagement arrives amid unprecedented semiconductor and AI policy activity. Registered lobbying firms collected nearly $92 million in AI-related fees during the first three quarters of 2025, creating an intensely crowded landscape.
Export restrictions on advanced chips to China represent the highest-stakes battle, with Congress advancing legislation requiring approval before selling AI chips to China. Meanwhile, the CHIPS Act authorized roughly $280 billion for domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing, with funds still being distributed.
Between The Lines
The legislative landscape includes several bills directly affecting AMD’s bottom line. The H.R.802 – STAR Act would create a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design, which AMD has explicitly supported. The thorniest issue: the H.R.5022 – No Advanced Chips for the CCP Act requiring congressional approval for exporting advanced AI chips to China.
AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su testified at a May Senate Commerce Committee hearing on winning the AI race. Multiple House hearings have examined export control loopholes and trade secrets—critical concerns for AMD’s proprietary designs.
Competitive Landscape
AMD’s decision to hire Cornerstone Government Affairs reflects fierce competition among chipmakers scrambling to protect their interests. NVIDIA tripled its lobbying spending to $1.9 million in Q3 2025, while AMD increased Q3 spending to $1.5 million—signaling that stakes for shaping semiconductor policy have never been higher.
The competitive urgency stems from high-stakes battles over semiconductor exports to China and CHIPS Act implementation. AMD’s decision to add Cornerstone signals the company cannot afford to cede ground to better-resourced competitors.
The Bottom Line
AMD is amplifying its Washington presence as Congress actively shapes semiconductor and AI policy through export controls, tax incentives, and supply chain legislation. The company’s $80,000 quarterly engagement with Cornerstone deploys experienced lobbyists with deep bipartisan congressional connections, particularly useful for navigating critical debates over chip exports to China and CHIPS Act implementation. With semiconductor and AI lobbying exceeding $92 million through Q3 2025, AMD’s timing reflects an industry scrambling to influence policy that could reshape their business models.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article