US Congress Takes Steps to Propose Legislation Urging TikTok’s Chinese Owner to Sell

Efforts in Congress to compel TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the social media app or face a ban in the U.S. were gaining momentum on Thursday. The House of Representatives scheduled a vote for Saturday, and a key Senate Democrat voiced support for the move.

The Republican-controlled House included the measure in a $95 billion legislative package that also provides aid to allies like Ukraine and Israel. This is a significant step forward in the ongoing push in Washington.

The new bill, which would give ByteDance a year to sell TikTok, received support from U.S. Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell. Her backing significantly increases the likelihood of the measure becoming law.

The previous bill, passed by the House last month with bipartisan support, only allowed ByteDance six months to sell the app.

Many lawmakers and President Joe Biden’s administration believe TikTok poses national security risks because China could potentially access the data of its 170 million U.S. users. However, TikTok maintains that it has never shared U.S. data and would not do so.

Cantwell, who was initially hesitant about the bill, now fully supports the updated version proposed as part of a package negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Commenting on the extended divestment period, Cantwell stated, “Extending the divestment period is necessary to ensure there is enough time for a new buyer to get a deal done. I support this updated legislation.”

In response to the bill, a TikTok spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating that it was unfortunate for the House of Representatives to use foreign and humanitarian assistance as cover to push the bill through.

The company raised concerns about potential restrictions on the app violating users’ free speech rights protected by the First Amendment and affecting the 7 million American businesses that use the platform.

In a March interview with Reuters, Cantwell emphasized the need for legislation to address broader concerns about foreign apps that will withstand legal challenges, aiming for the strongest and most robust tools available.