Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voiced opposition to the proposed TikTok ban, labeling it illogical. He drew parallels between the ban and actions taken by the Chinese government, suggesting it would mirror the authoritarian tactics it aims to counter.
“TikTok is banned in China,” Paul said.
“We’re thinking – or people who want to ban it are thinking – Wow, we’re going to really defeat the Chinese communists, by becoming Chinese authoritarians and banning it in our country? TikTok is banned in China. So, we’re going to emulate the Chinese communists by banning it in our country?”
“It makes no sense whatsoever,” he added.
Paul further contended that certain Americans have investments in ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company. He criticized the ban, stating it would entail seizing property from Americans without establishing any criminal wrongdoing beforehand.
“We know that the Chinese government does demand things, but we don’t know that any information really is going from TikTok to any of these people in China,” he said, noting that a provable crime is necessary to take property from Americans.
Not all lawmakers share Paul’s perspective on the proposed ban. The House is poised to vote on Wednesday on a bill that would compel ByteDance to divest TikTok within 165 days of enactment, failing which could result in a ban on U.S. app stores and web hosting services.
House Republicans are using a special rule requiring a two-thirds majority for passage, instead of the typical simple majority.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and lead co-sponsor of the bill, voiced optimism about its prospects, citing a strong bipartisan support base.
He highlighted the rare unanimous vote by the House Energy and Commerce Committee last Thursday as evidence of broad backing for the measure.
