US lawmakers took a step toward potentially banning TikTok as part of an aid package for Israel and Ukraine, with a bipartisan vote of 360-58 in the House. This marks another defeat for TikTok in Washington as it fights for survival under its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The bill would ban TikTok from US app stores unless it finds a new owner quickly. By linking the TikTok bill with funding for Ukrainian military equipment and Israeli missile defense, House Republicans are pushing for Senate consideration of the entire package in a single vote.
The Senate is expected to quickly take up the aid package, increasing the likelihood of passage. President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the TikTok legislation if it reaches his desk. Policy analysts note the convergence of policy priorities creating a potentially devastating outcome for TikTok, which is popular among young Americans but considered a national security risk. The bill would give TikTok 270 days to find a new owner, with a possible 90-day extension if progress is made toward a sale.
TikTok has strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it infringes on users’ First Amendment rights and adversely impacts small businesses. The company has hinted at legal action to challenge the legislation, setting the stage for a potential showdown over Americans’ access to digital information. Senate lawmakers, initially divided on the forced sale of TikTok, are showing signs of increased support following the House’s revised bill with an extended deadline. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has emphasized the urgency of approving foreign aid, hinting at a tentative agreement to take up the package on Tuesday.
Policy analysts believe there is a high likelihood of the TikTok bill passing in the Senate, estimating an 80% chance of passage. It is unlikely that TikTok will be removed from the larger aid package, according to analysts, who expect the Senate to consider the legislation within one to two weeks. Senate leaders may expedite the process even further. The rapid progression of the TikTok bill demonstrates the broader geopolitical considerations influencing the fate of the popular social media app in the US.
