In response to the House-passed legislation targeting TikTok, Senate supporters are clarifying that their intention is not to ban the popular social video app, but rather to facilitate a transition in ownership. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized this point, stating that the goal is to put TikTok in different hands while allowing it to continue operating.

The legislation, which requires ByteDance, TikTok's China-based parent company, to divest from the app within 180 days, passed with overwhelming support in the House. However, if the Senate is feeling pressure to act, they are doing a good job concealing it. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer simply stated that the Senate will review the legislation when it arrives from the House, without providing a timetable or certainty of action.

There seems to be a sense of rivalry between Congress chambers regarding the bill. Senators believe they typically initiate legislation, viewing bills originating from the House as hotheaded and in need of revision. Consequently, Senate committees and members are expected to shape the legislation and propose amendments to leave their imprint on the final version. TikTok is relying on this process to buy time and execute a lobbying campaign.

While the bill awaits Senate consideration, its supporters are keen on dispelling the notion that it constitutes a TikTok ban. They emphasize that the legislation aims to address concerns about Chinese ownership and influence over American users. Democrat Senator Mark Warner and Republican Senator Marco Rubio, both advocates for the bill, underscored that the goal is to transition control away from the Chinese Communist government to another owner. They also highlight the involvement of American investors in TikTok/ByteDance, suggesting that they could be part of the new ownership structure.

Notably, the Senate Democrats appear to be more ambivalent about the issue compared to their counterparts. Senator Ron Wyden expressed concern about replacing Chinese control with that of another overseer, such as Saudi Arabia. Senator Ed Markey argued that the focus should be on broader congressional oversight of social media's impact on young people, rather than solely on TikTok.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell stressed the importance of getting the legislation right and suggested the possibility of joint hearings between the Commerce and Intelligence committees to further address the issue.

The bill's supporters aim to maintain momentum from the House and act swiftly before lobbying efforts and external influences hinder progress. Some senators, like Senator Tom Cotton, are urging Senate Majority Leader Schumer to move forward on it. Senator Warner expressed a willingness to hold additional Senate hearings if needed, in order to clarify to the public, especially the app's 170 million American users, that the legislation's focus is not on stifling creativity or impeding social influencers' ability to earn money, but rather on safeguarding against manipulation by the Chinese Communist Party.

As the Senate navigates the complexities and rivalries inherent in the legislative process, the future of TikTok's ownership and operation in the United States remains uncertain.