Press Releases
ICYMI: Latta's Op-Ed in The Plain Dealer Highlighting TikTok's Choice
Washington,
March 19, 2024
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Claire Hurley
(202-225-6405)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) penned an op-ed in The Plain Dealer on legislation he is co-leading, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, to protect Americans from foreign adversaries, including Communist China. Read an excerpt below or click here to read the piece in its entirety. TikTok’s choice - sever ties with China or shut down in the U.S. By Rep. Bob Latta March 17, 2024 “Communist China-linked TikTok has demonstrated how much power it wields to influence its users. Recently, TikTok prohibited access to its app for American users until they entered their ZIP code and called their members of Congress to stop what they are falsely claiming is a “ban” on TikTok. “Thousands of calls flooded congressional offices – including mine in Washington, D.C. The calls included children and young teens threatening suicide and violence if TikTok shuts down in the United States. “Here’s the reality: The Chinese Communist Party is watching and cheering. They want to sow division in the United States. They want to manipulate children and steal our data. And they want to pressure Congress to keep the app active in the United States without decoupling it from Communist China. “It’s never been more clear that TikTok has the disturbing ability to target and manipulate its users…. "… Here is what the American people should know about our bill: It does not ban TikTok. This is about preventing Communist China from surveilling, targeting, and manipulating the American people. “Our bill is simple and provides Communist China-controlled ByteDance, the parent of company of TikTok, a choice. ByteDance can divest their ownership of TikTok, and if it’s determined TikTok is no longer controlled by a foreign adversary, TikTok would be available to its U.S. users… “…I’m proud to be one of the original sponsors of this bill, and I’m pleased the bill passed the U.S. House last week in an overwhelming bipartisan vote. When Congress seems more divided than ever, a true bipartisan feat is rare and emphasizes how united we are in standing up against Communist China.
“President Joe Biden has stated he will sign the bill into law if it’s passed by Congress. I urge the U.S. Senate to take up this bill and send it to the president’s desk. “It’s time to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party and relinquish their control over TikTok. Let’s get it done.” ### |