Lawmakers contend TikTok owner ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access data any time it wants.
-based owner doesn't sell, as lawmakers act on concerns that the company's current ownership structure is a national security threat.
"We have given TikTok a clear choice," said Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican. "We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realise the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service," Haurek said.
"The answer to CCP-style propaganda is not CCP-style oppression. Let us slow down before we blunder down this very steep and slippery slope." Republican leaders moved quickly to bring up the bill after its introduction last week. A House committee approved the legislation unanimously, on a 50-0 vote, even after their offices were inundated with calls from TikTok users demanding they drop the effort. Some offices even shut off their phones because of the onslaught. Supporters of the bill said the effort backfired.