Senate Leader Schumer Outlines Busy Legislative Agenda
Schumer’s Focus on TikTok Legislation
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is gearing up for a packed agenda upon lawmakers’ return to Washington. He emphasized the potential for progress on TikTok legislation, among other bipartisan bills, as the Senate reconvenes following a two-week recess.
Legislative Action on TikTok
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill giving TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, six months to divest its U.S. assets or face a ban. While Schumer did not express a definitive stance on TikTok, he highlighted the opportunity to advance bipartisan measures, including those related to the popular app.
Future Prospects on TikTok and Other Bills
Despite ongoing discussions among senators, no immediate action is planned on TikTok. Schumer referenced various bipartisan bills on the table, including initiatives on children’s online safety, rail safety, internet subsidies for low-income households, cannabis banking, and efforts to compete with China.
Concerns Over TikTok’s National Security Risks
Lawmakers and the Biden administration have raised concerns about TikTok’s national security implications, fearing Chinese influence over user data. In response, TikTok has adamantly denied sharing U.S. data and has invested significantly in safeguarding American information.
Protecting American Data
TikTok asserts its commitment to protecting U.S. data, having allocated substantial resources to store and secure American user information within the country. The company’s efforts exceed $1.5 billion to ensure data protection and privacy.
