Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, has announced her support for a House measure that could lead to a ban of TikTok in the U.S. The legislation, included in House Speaker Mike Johnson’s four-part foreign aid plan, would require TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the platform within one year. Cantwell, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, opposed the original version of the bill but endorsed the updated version, which extends the divestment period to nine months with a possible three-month extension. This move comes after concerns were raised about the constitutionality of the bill and other potential issues.
Cantwell’s support for the updated bill clears one hurdle that previous TikTok-related measures have faced, but it remains to be seen if other concerns have been addressed, such as legal scrutiny. The updated legislation also includes new sanctions on Iran, China, and Russia, along with separate bills providing financial support to Israel, Ukraine, and initiatives to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. Cantwell expressed satisfaction with the extension of the divestment period, stating that it allows for more time for potential buyers to secure a deal. However, it is likely that other issues could arise as the bill moves forward in the Senate.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act has faced challenges in gaining bipartisan support and moving through the Senate due to various concerns. Cantwell’s endorsement of the updated bill signifies progress in advancing legislation that aims to address national security concerns related to foreign-controlled social media platforms like TikTok. The inclusion of TikTok divestment in a broader foreign aid package highlights the growing bipartisan consensus on the need to address potential threats posed by Chinese-owned companies operating in the U.S. tech sector.
As a key senator with oversight over commerce and technology matters, Cantwell’s support for the TikTok divestment measure carries significant weight and could influence its prospects in the Senate. The bill’s inclusion in a larger foreign aid package underscores the national security implications of addressing foreign adversary-controlled applications. While there may still be legal and constitutional challenges ahead, Cantwell’s backing of the bill signals a step toward addressing concerns about the influence of Chinese tech companies in the U.S. market.
Overall, the endorsement of the updated TikTok divestment bill by Sen. Cantwell indicates a shift in momentum toward addressing national security concerns related to foreign-controlled social media platforms. The legislation’s inclusion in a broader foreign aid package demonstrates bipartisan recognition of the need to address potential threats posed by Chinese-owned companies in the U.S. tech sector. While challenges remain, Cantwell’s support could pave the way for further bipartisan cooperation in addressing the risks associated with foreign adversary-controlled applications in the United States.
