US House Votes to Ban TikTok if it Fails to Sever Ties with China

The voting on major bills concerning Ukraine and Israel was still pending. These bills had been the result of lengthy and contentious negotiations, along with pressure from US allies and repeated appeals for aid from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The focal point of partisan disputes has been the funding for Ukraine, with spending bills leading to the downfall of the previous Republican speaker of the House.

In response to President Joe Biden’s request, around $8 billion would be allocated to counter China, which includes investments in submarine infrastructure and enhancing competition with Beijing for projects in developing countries. Additionally, a provision in the bills would compel TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the United States. The US government, at the behest of the White House, has expressed strong support for this legislation, which includes provisions targeting China and providing aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

The deadlock in Congress over providing substantial funding to Ukraine has been largely due to partisan disagreements, with Republican reluctance influenced by former President Donald Trump’s stance. Britain, after much deliberation, has thrown its support behind a $61 billion package for Ukraine, providing economic assistance and weapons. The bill also empowers President Biden to seize and sell Russian assets to allocate the proceeds to Ukraine for reconstruction, a move backed by other G7 nations.

The bill’s passage would enable the allocation of $13 billion in military assistance to Israel for its conflict with Hamas, primarily to strengthen its Iron Dome air defenses. It also earmarks over $9 billion for humanitarian aid, addressing the urgent needs of Gaza and other vulnerable populations worldwide. Reception of these bills by US allies is expected to be positive, but it may lead to the ousting of the Republican House speaker due to opposition from a faction of far-right isolationist Republican lawmakers.

Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer stated that the Senate could take up the bill soon if it passes the House.