Key Senate Vote Advances Potential TikTok Ban, Part of Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan Aid Package

The Senate is poised to approve a House-passed package, which includes measures that could ultimately result in the banning of TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not divest the app. This package is a component of a broader foreign aid bill totaling $95 billion, designated for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. The bipartisan backing in both chambers underscores the importance attached to these provisions amidst geopolitical tensions.

The Senate’s vote of 80-19 to invoke cloture on all four pieces of legislation sets the stage for a final vote, expected as soon as Tuesday evening. The package includes aid amounts of approximately $26 billion to Israel, $61 billion to Ukraine, and $8 billion to Indo-Pacific partners of the United States.

The bill targeting TikTok mandates ByteDance to sell the app to a non-affiliated company within 270 days, with the possibility of a 90-day extension if deemed necessary by President Biden. Failure to comply with the sale requirement could result in a ban of the app in the United States. Concerns over data privacy and national security have fueled bipartisan support for such measures, with lawmakers expressing worries about potential data sharing with the Chinese government and the spread of propaganda.

Despite the bipartisan support for the legislation, legal challenges are expected, as TikTok has indicated its intention to challenge the law in court. Furthermore, the Chinese government, which has authority over any potential sale approval, has shown resistance to such measures. These factors suggest potential hurdles in the implementation of the legislation and highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics involved.

The approval of the foreign aid package arrives against the backdrop of escalating tensions in several global hotspots, notably Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and recent hostilities involving Iran’s attacks on Israel. Despite previous opposition from former President Trump, who raised concerns over immigration and loan terms in similar aid packages, the current iteration has garnered increased support amid the pressing need to address mounting international crises. This shift underscores the recognition of the imperative for swift and decisive action in providing assistance to allies facing significant geopolitical challenges.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced significant opposition from within his own party, notably from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who threatened to bring a motion to vacate aimed at removing Johnson from his position as speaker. Despite these internal challenges, Johnson received backing from former President Trump, who acknowledged the difficulty of Johnson’s task in passing any legislation without Democratic support. Trump praised Johnson as “a very good person” and expressed satisfaction with his support for structuring some of the aid to Ukraine as a loan, aligning with Trump’s stance. This dynamic underscores the complexity of navigating partisan divides and the bipartisan recognition of the critical need for international assistance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.