How Oregon, Southwest Washington representatives voted on the potential TikTok ban
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. If passed, the law could ban TikTok nationwide if ByteDance Ltd. — a Chinese-based tech company — fails to sell the social media app to another owner.
Oregon and Southwest Washington representatives have had mixed responses to the bill, although the majority have shown support for it. Find their statements on why they voted for or against the new legislation below.
Oregon Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz
According to the office of Congressman Bentz, who voted “yes,” the House Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously passed the bill before it reached the House of Representatives.
“It is paramount that we take action to protect Americans from potential surveillance, data breaches, and targeted political messaging orchestrated by apps being controlled by adversarial foreign powers like the People’s Republic of China,” Bentz said. “This bill provides a critical framework to safeguard our national security interests while minimizing disruptions to users and businesses.”
Oregon Democratic Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
Rep. Bonamici voted against the act. In a statement, the congresswoman told KOIN 6 the U.S. should protect data privacy, national security and save its electoral system from foreign interference — but she believes lawmakers could “negotiate a more comprehensive and effective approach” than the newly-passed act.
“Instead of targeting one company, we should consider comprehensive legislation to improve how Americans access and control their data across all apps and uses,” Bonamici said. “I also have serious constitutional concerns about this bill. The First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution enshrines the protection of free speech and a press free from fear of retribution from the government. Protecting this right is a cornerstone of our democracy, and one that I am committed to upholding.”
Oregon Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer, who voted in favor of the potential ban, explained this law would apply to all apps that are controlled by foreign adversaries.
“Congress has received classified briefings that have made TikTok’s national security threat clear, and that’s reflected in the overwhelming bipartisan support this bill received in both committee and on the House floor,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “This is the right thing to do for our country and Americans’ security and privacy. To anyone frustrated with this bill: Ask TikTok to do the right thing and sever its ties with the Chinese Communist Party.”
Portland restaurants, markets offer Pi Day deals on pies, pizzas
Oregon Democratic Rep. Val Hoyle
Rep. Hoyle took to X, the app formerly known as Twitter, to explain why she voted against the act.
“Unlike our adversaries, we believe in freedom of speech and don’t ban social media platforms,” Hoyle said. “Instead of this rushed bill, we need comprehensive data security legislation that protects all Americans.”
Oregon Democratic Rep. Andrea Salinas
With a “yes” vote, Congresswoman Salinas said she supports Americans’ right to free speech but is also concerned about the Chinese Communist Party “having unfettered access” to the data of U.S. TikTok users.
“I also have deep concerns about the Chinese Communist Party having unfettered access to Americans’ data,” Salinas added. “Protecting our privacy and national security has to be a top priority, which is why I voted to force the Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest from TikTok. Doing so would remove China from the equation and allow Americans to continue enjoying an app they love without having to worry about their data being compromised.”
Traffic Alert! OR 217 in Tigard to close for the weekend
Though the bill’s Senate vote hasn’t happened yet, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) told KOIN 6 News he is generally leaning towards the ban but will gather more information before making a final determination.
“I’m going to be talking to the intelligence community. I’m going to be trying to understand better whether the bill could actually ban TikTok,” Merkley said.
KOIN 6 has also reached out to the office of Democratic Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Democratic Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, who both voted in favor of the bill.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act now heads to the U.S. Senate.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
