Cathy McMorris Rodgers - the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers took to the House Floor to voice her support for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. In her remarks, Rodgers emphasized the threat posed by foreign adversaries, particularly highlighting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) exploitation of popular applications like TikTok.
Rodgers stated, “Foreign adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party, pose the greatest national security threat of our time," underscoring the seriousness of the issue at hand. She pointed out how TikTok's vast access to American users has made it a tool for CCP propaganda, saying, "TikTok’s access to 177 million American users makes it a valuable propaganda tool for the CCP to exploit."
Highlighting recent events, Rodgers pointed out how CCP-controlled TikTok had manipulated users to contact their representatives, showcasing how adversaries can use these platforms to further their agenda. She emphasized the importance of the legislation in preventing foreign-controlled apps from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating American citizens, stating, “Today’s legislation will end this abuse by preventing apps controlled by foreign adversaries from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people."
Rodgers made it clear that companies under foreign adversary control do not align with American values, stating, "Companies controlled by a foreign adversary, like the CCP, will NEVER embrace American values like freedom of speech, human rights, the rule of law, and a free press." She urged TikTok to choose between separating from its parent company, ByteDance, or facing consequences for siding with the CCP.
In conclusion, Rodgers sent a strong message, declaring, “Today we will send a clear message that we will not tolerate our adversaries weaponizing our freedoms against us." The urgency of the situation was evident in her impassioned plea for action to safeguard American users from exploitation by foreign adversaries.
Alerts Sign-up