Findlay Times

Congressman Bob Latta recently penned an op-ed in The Plain Dealer advocating for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which aims to safeguard Americans from foreign adversaries, particularly Communist China. In the op-ed, Rep. Latta highlighted the influence and power of TikTok, a platform linked to Communist China, and the need for action to protect American users.

Latta emphasized the concerning influence of TikTok by stating, "Communist China-linked TikTok has demonstrated how much power it wields to influence its users." He pointed out how the platform pressured American users to contact their members of Congress in response to what they deemed a "ban" on TikTok, leading to an influx of calls, some even threatening suicide and violence if the app were to shut down in the U.S.

The Congressman warned about the intentions of the Chinese Communist Party, stating, "They want to sow division in the United States. They want to manipulate children and steal our data." He stressed the importance of preventing Communist China from surveilling, targeting, and manipulating the American people through platforms like TikTok.

Rep. Latta explained the purpose of the legislation, clarifying, "Our bill is simple and provides Communist China-controlled ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, a choice." He outlined that ByteDance can choose to divest its ownership of TikTok, and if the platform is no longer controlled by a foreign adversary, it can continue to be available to U.S. users.

Expressing his support for the bipartisan bill, Rep. Latta commended the unity in Congress against Communist China, stating, "When Congress seems more divided than ever, a true bipartisan feat is rare and emphasizes how united we are in standing up against Communist China." He also urged the U.S. Senate to pass the bill and send it to President Joe Biden for approval.

In conclusion, Congressman Bob Latta urged action against the Chinese Communist Party's control over TikTok, emphasizing the need to sever ties with China or face shutdown in the U.S., stating, "It's time to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party and relinquish their control over TikTok. Let's get it done."