NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) made a strong statement regarding foreign interference and manipulation during a Full Committee hearing on protecting Americans' data and national security from foreign adversaries. Rodgers emphasized the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its influence on apps like TikTok, stating, "The Chinese Communist Party pose the greatest national security threat to the United States of our time."

Rodgers highlighted the dangers of apps like TikTok, noting that they have the ability to target, surveil, and manipulate Americans, posing serious national security risks. She mentioned the ongoing efforts of the Committee to address these issues in a bipartisan manner, stating, "Protecting American’s data and addressing the serious national security threat posed by the CCP have been my top priorities all Congress."

During the hearing, Rodgers referenced past testimonies, including one from the CEO of TikTok, who denied spying on Americans but was later found to have misled the public about the company's connections and data access. Rodgers emphasized the need to take action to protect American data and national security, stating, "That ends now."

Rodgers also pointed out the surveillance capabilities of apps like TikTok, highlighting how they can collect vast amounts of sensitive information from users. She raised concerns about the CCP's influence on other apps besides TikTok, such as Lemon8 and Capcut, through companies like ByteDance.

In response to these threats, Rodgers announced discussions on legislation aimed at preventing apps controlled by foreign adversaries from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating Americans. She commended the efforts of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party for their partnership on this legislation and stressed the importance of establishing clear prohibitions on sharing Americans' sensitive information with foreign adversaries.

Rodgers concluded by reaffirming that foreign interference and manipulation are not welcome in the United States, stating, "Our adversaries choose to rule through fear and control... This foreign interference and manipulation is not welcome here." She emphasized the need for legislation to neutralize the threats posed by apps like TikTok and expressed the Committee's intention to consult with the national intelligence community on this matter.