By Julian Castillo
Apr 23, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
The House of Representatives has taken another step in its attempt to get rid of TikTok in the United States, passing a bill that gives Chinese parent company ByteDance a maximum period of one year to sell the popular social media platform. This measure, approved by 360 votes in favor and 58 against, is part of a broader bill related to sanctions against foreign adversaries, such as Russia, and seeks to force ByteDance to stop having a presence in the country.
The bill, included as part of a package of foreign aid measures, aims accelerate the legislative process by being presented together with other urgent measures, such as the provision of military aid to Ukraine and Israel, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza. This strategy seeks to pressure the Senate to consider the proposal more quickly than it would if it were a stand-alone bill.
More time for ByteDance
One of the key modifications in this new bill is the time given to ByteDance to complete the sale of TikTok. Instead of the six months initially proposed, the company would have up to a year to carry out this process, which would allow a more gradual disinvestment with greater chances of success. Additionally, the president would have the discretion to extend this deadline for an additional three months in the event of progress toward a sales agreement.
During the debate in the Houseseveral representatives expressed their support for the measure, highlighting the importance of establishing a more realistic deadline for a complex divestment process. However, some lawmakers raised concerns about the scope of this legislation and its possible interpretation beyond the specific case of TikTok.
The position of senators on this bill remains uncertain, with some leaders indicating their support, while others have not yet committed. However, including the TikTok bill in a broader legislative package could expedite its consideration in the Senate, although the Easter recess could delay any action until lawmakers return to session.
If the bill is approved by the Senate, it would go to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.. Biden has already expressed his willingness to support this legislation, meaning the measure could become law if it clears all legislative hurdles.
This latest legislative move reflects continuing concern in Washington about the influence of Chinese companies in the United States, especially in the field of technology and social networks. As tensions between the United States and China persist on several fronts, including trade and national security, TikTok’s fate in the country remains uncertain and subject to the will of Congress and the Biden administration.
Keep reading:
– TikTok: 3 reasons why the social network could be banned in the United States (and what the Chinese company responds to)
– TikTok is now paying users to watch videos in the app
– How much TikTok could sell for and why it is not so easy for this to happen