[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 47 (Friday, March 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT

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                               speech of

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2024

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, my intended vote against H.R. 7521 must not 
imply I do not have concerns about cybersecurity in the U.S. but, 
rather, that I have concerns regarding this specific bill.
  This bill's narrow focus on TikTok (which seems well-intentioned by 
my colleagues) overlooks the expansive landscape of U.S. cybersecurity 
threats. Adversaries like China unfortunately possess a multitude of 
channels through which they can harvest Americans' sensitive personal 
information. Banning a single app does not come close to adequately 
safeguarding our country's cyber landscape. Congress should enact a 
comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that fully addresses how our 
digital infrastructure can be compromised. Additionally, there is an 
urgent need for digital privacy protections. Rep. Anna Eshoo and I 
introduced the Online Privacy Act that would provide far more robust 
digital protections for Americans than those in this bill that could 
result in the American ban of TikTok.
  Relatedly, the one-off focus on TikTok for potential algorithm 
manipulation is imbalanced, as the actions cited are widespread 
practices across the social media landscape. It is not wise to single 
out one platform for an industry-wide problem. The support for this 
bill in the House suggests a need for a more equitable and holistic 
approach to social media regulation.
  If there are genuine national security concerns from my colleagues on 
the other side of the aisle, I also question why House Republican 
leadership brought this bill to the Floor before having us vote for 
urgently needed Ukraine aid. Smart national security policy must 
include not only the cyber realm, but also strong democratic 
international alliances.
  Compounding these strategic concerns are possible First Amendment 
violations. There have been various legal challenges to similar state-
level legislation, and this bill could infringe upon free speech 
rights. There must be a delicate balance struck between ensuring 
security and preserving Americans' fundamental freedoms. I would have 
preferred having more time to debate, scrutinize, and amend this bill 
before voting on it. I hope the Senate process varies from that in the 
House before this bill becomes law.

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