US House Approves Legislation Targeting TikTok Amid Foreign Aid Vote
The US House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards potentially banning TikTok in the country, with lawmakers passing a controversial bill that singles out the app. This move comes as part of a broader aid package aimed at supporting Israel and Ukraine, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the decision.
The approval of a bill by House lawmakers on Saturday brought the US ban against TikTok one step closer to happening. The bill, which is part of a larger aid package for Israel and Ukraine, received a bipartisan vote of 360-58. This marks another setback for TikTok in Washington, as the popular social media platform with 170 million US users continues to struggle under its current ownership by ByteDance, its Chinese parent company.
The House passed a bill this weekend that is similar to one approved in March. It aims to ban TikTok from US app stores unless it is sold to a new owner promptly.
House Republicans linked the TikTok bill with funding for Ukrainian military equipment and Israeli missile defense. This move urges Senate lawmakers to vote on the entire package together.
Policy analysts anticipate that the Senate will address the aid package promptly, making its passage highly likely. President Joe Biden has also indicated his willingness to sign the TikTok legislation if it is presented to him.
The expedited progress of the TikTok bill illustrates how external policy priorities have converged to produce a powerful and potentially harmful impact on an app that is popular among many young Americans, despite being deemed a national security threat by US officials.
The bill approved on Saturday would give TikTok 270 days to find a new owner, which is an increase from the previous six months. Additionally, the White House has the option to extend the deadline by another 90 days if progress is being made towards a sale.
TikTok has strongly opposed the bill, engaging in a vigorous lobbying effort to try to prevent its passage. The company argues that the legislation infringes on its users' First Amendment rights and poses a threat to small businesses.
TikTok expressed disappointment that the House of Representatives is using important foreign and humanitarian assistance as an excuse to push through a bill that would harm millions of Americans' free speech rights and negatively impact businesses and the economy. The social media platform made this statement on Wednesday.
In March, TikTok hinted that it may take legal action to oppose the House's divestiture legislation. The company informed users that they are committed to fighting against the bill and will utilize their legal rights if necessary. A potential court challenge could lead to a significant legal battle regarding Americans' ability to access digital content.
Senate lawmakers have recently been divided over the House's proposal for a forced sale of TikTok. However, this changed when the House introduced a new draft with a longer deadline. Leading up to the House vote on Saturday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the importance of approving the foreign aid. Schumer mentioned on the Senate floor that there is a potential agreement for the chamber to address the foreign aid package on Tuesday.
Policy analyst Paul Gallant from Cowen Inc. believes that all signs point towards a high likelihood of the TikTok bill passing. Gallant estimates the chances of Senate approval at 80%.
"We think TikTok will probably not be removed from the bigger bill," stated Gallant in a research note on Friday. He also mentioned that the Senate is expected to discuss the legislation in the next one to two weeks, with some Senate leaders suggesting it could be approved even sooner.
Editor's P/S:
The impending TikTok ban in the US raises concerns about the intersection of national security and free speech rights. While the government cites concerns about Chinese influence on the platform, experts question the effectiveness of a ban and its potential harm to American users. The bipartisan support for the bill highlights the political pressure surrounding TikTok's ownership, while the company's lobbying efforts indicate a fierce battle ahead.
The bill's passage through the House and the anticipated Senate approval reflect the convergence of foreign policy priorities and domestic concerns. The linkage of TikTok's potential ban to aid for Israel and Ukraine underscores the political dynamics at play. The extended deadline for TikTok to find a new owner provides some breathing room, but the company's legal options and the looming threat of a ban create uncertainty for its future in the US market.
