Legislation to stifle TikTok is on Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer‘s radar, but the New York Democrat told colleagues Friday he’s prioritizing other legislation.
In a letter to fellow Democrats outlining his legislative agenda, Mr. Schumer acknowledged that senators will have a chance to review legislation forcing TikTok’s China-based owner to divest the app or face a ban in the U.S.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we have the opportunity to make progress on bipartisan bills that enhance our national security, advance online safety for kids and promote innovation, expand the Child Tax Credit, work on a path forward on TikTok legislation, combat the fentanyl crisis, hold failed bank executives accountable, address rail safety, ensure internet affordability, safeguard cannabis banking, outcompete the Chinese government, lower the cost of prescription drugs like insulin while expanding access to health care, and more,” Mr. Schumer wrote.
He didn’t sound optimistic about passing the items on his list.
“There are many important, bipartisan issues this Congress could address this year, and I hope our Senate Republican colleagues don’t allow the ultra-right wing of their party to derail progress on these bipartisan bills,” he wrote.
Before getting to his list of issues, Mr. Schumer wrote that top priorities for the Senate upon its return to Washington will be confirming President Biden’s nominees, the congressional debate over the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and taxpayer funding for Ukraine.
Mr. Schumer‘s letter confirms suspicions that restricting TikTok is not a pressing matter for Senate Democrats.
House lawmakers voted last month to pass a bill pressuring TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the popular app over loud opposition from TikTok’s fans, including many anticipated voters in the coming November election.
The outlook for the TikTok crackdown to be taken up by the Senate has long appeared grim, but Mr. Biden said he’s ready to sign the restrictions into law.