Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who leads the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, criticized the effort to influence legislation that may prohibit TikTok. He called this effort 'disgusting,' especially highlighting the participation of former members of Congress.
Gallagher mentioned on CBS News’s “Face the Nation” that there is an extensive and unprecedented campaign to influence legislation, particularly by TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance. He referred to this as 'weaponizing the swamp against legislative action.'
Gallagher emphasized how over half a million dollars was spent by seven different lobbying firms in the last quarter, labeling it as 'disgusting.' He strongly believes that former members of Congress should not be allowed to lobby, especially on behalf of foreign adversaries.
The House passed a bill with a 352-65 vote last Wednesday, which would compel ByteDance to sell TikTok within 165 days or face a potential ban in the United States. The bill now moves to the Senate with an uncertain outcome.
The House passing of the bill follows growing concerns about China's influence over TikTok. Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to address national security risks posed by ByteDance, which they claim may share sensitive data from American users with the Chinese government. They also express worries about the Chinese government's ability to control the content viewed by users, potentially influencing their political views.
Unfortunately, the bill was also the subject of a strong lobbying campaign, which involved former members of Congress. Despite vocal opposition on both sides, the bill received significant bipartisan support. Trump, the likely GOP nominee for the 2024 presidential election, strongly opposed the bill. He cited concerns that banning TikTok could benefit rival social media company Facebook.
In addition, TikTok has been urging users to contact their members of Congress to discourage support for the legislation. Despite vocal opposition from both sides of the aisle, the bill passed with strong bipartisan support.Trump, the presumptive GOP 2024 presidential nominee, was the strongest force from the right who
opposed the bill
. He cited concerns that a ban might benefit rival social media company Facebook.
Trump’s opposition to a possible TikTok ban came after he met with Jeff Yass, a major GOP donor and investor in TikTok. Trump said Yass did not bring up TikTok during the conversation.
Gallagher remained optimistic on Sunday about the likelihood of a bill passing, pointing to the bipartisan work with the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) They worked together to pass the legislation.
