Kamlager-Dove Statement on Voting “No” on the TikTok Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement after she voted against H.R. 7521, which would functionally result in a ban of TikTok:

“This bill poses serious questions about constitutionality and executive overreach while applying, at best, a band-aid solution to the very real national security concerns the app raises.

The reality is that banning TikTok would not meaningfully mitigate the security risks the app presents. Even without TikTok, the PRC could still obtain sensitive U.S. user data through hacks or data purchases and conduct influence operations through other social media apps. Banning foreign apps is an insufficient approach to addressing the persistent disinformation and data security issues facing our country.

I also believe that this bill would violate First Amendment rights. A federal judge has already temporarily halted Montana’s state-wide TikTok ban citing free speech concerns. Banning a social media platform that over 150 million Americans use to engage in self-expression, political organizing, and free speech would seriously infringe upon our civil liberties. 

Finally, I am concerned by the broad discretion granted to the Executive branch to ban tech companies with zero Congressional oversight. I refuse to sign a blank check to some future president who could weaponize this legislation to ban Chinese-owned American companies in Los Angeles like Epic Games, Riot Games, and Turtle Rock Studios.

The creators, artists, gamers, and businesses in my district who would be negatively impacted by this bill deserve better than legislation that does more harm than good. That is why I voted no.”

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