On March 13, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” with a vote of 352 to 65. This bill aims to prevent the popular video app TikTok from operating in the U.S. unless its owner, ByteDance, sells it to an American company. President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill into law if passed by Congress.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The efficiency and progress of the Senate’s deliberations will be crucial in determining the fate of the legislation.
The timeline for the bill’s passage is uncertain at this point. However, based on the priorities of Democratic lawmakers and Biden, it is likely that the handling of the bill may be prolonged, especially with the backdrop of an election year, to showcase the importance of this legislation.
There are doubts regarding the support for the TikTok bill among key Democrats, as evidenced by voting records in the House of Representatives. Many prominent Democratic figures, including committee members, voted against the bill, indicating a cautious approach within the party.
Considering the upcoming 2024 Senate elections, Senate Democrats, especially those seeking reelection, may approach the TikTok bill with caution. Analysts predict Republican dominance in these elections, raising concerns that banning TikTok could impact Democratic prospects, given its appeal to young voters.
Senate Democrats have shown a more moderate stance towards TikTok compared to Republicans, based on past legislative activities. The role of the Senate historically involves scrutinizing House legislation, which could result in delays in passing the TikTok bill.
For Biden, expediting the bill during an election year may not be beneficial, considering the support he needs from young voters who use TikTok. Delaying the bill and engaging in negotiations with Congress on its details could be a strategic approach to avoid risks to the campaign.
Given the political landscape and the unique circumstances of the 2024 election, Democrats and Biden are likely to prolong the handling of the TikTok bill. However, the fate of TikTok remains uncertain amid pressures from Republicans and changing dynamics in the political arena.