The House of Representatives had no problem passing the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act on Wednesday; the bipartisan effort passed 352-65.
The bill moves on to the Senate where, if passed, President Biden has signaled he would sign it into law.
From CNBC:
The legislation, dubbed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, was introduced March 5 by Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Two days later, House members on the Energy and Commerce Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill, which refers to TikTok as a threat to national security because it is controlled by a foreign adversary.
“This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it’s a ban,” a TikTok spokesperson said after the vote was passed. “We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service.”
The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party shared a video of Chairman Mike Gallagher making a speech on the floor before the vote; he clarifies that it is not a ban.
Chairman @RepGallagher floor speech in support of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
“I also want to set the record straight on a few misconceptions about this bill: ⬇️
It DOES NOT apply to American companies. It ONLY applies to… pic.twitter.com/urbFpD9VeN
— Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (@committeeonccp) March 13, 2024
Following the successful passing of the bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his thoughts on X, saying “Communist China is America’s largest geopolitical foe and is using technology to actively undermine America’s economy and security. Apps like TikTok allow the Chinese Communist Party to push harmful content to our youth and engage in malign activities, such as harvesting the location, purchasing habits, contacts, and sensitive data of Americans.”
“Today’s bipartisan vote to pass The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act demonstrates Congress’ opposition to Communist China’s attempts to spy on and manipulate Americans and signals our resolve to deter our enemies. I urge the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the President so he can sign the bill into law.”
More over at CNBC:
House passes bill that could lead to a TikTok ban; fight shifts to the Senate https://t.co/gxJ8LDX82w
— CNBC (@CNBC) March 13, 2024
