The TikTok bill passed by Senate could see the app banned in the U.S. if it doesn’t get sold by its Chinese owner.
A TikTok ban in the U.S. seems like a growing possibility after nearly 80 senators voted for a bill that could force the social media company’s Chinese owner to sell the app or face prohibition from American app stores.
However, Newsweek has found that a group of senators who voted for the controversial legislation still have official TikTok accounts, some of which continue to be used.
Newsweek has previously identified House members who continue to use the platform despite voting for the ban.
The TikTok ultimatum, approved by the House this past Saturday, was bundled as part of a military aid package for Ukraine and Israel, which Congress has been eager to pass following months of deadlock.
On Tuesday night, the Senate passed the $95.3 billion bill—which also includes aid for Taiwan—by a 79-18 vote. Opposition was mostly, but not entirely, Republican. Of the 18 “no” votes, 15 came from GOP senators, including Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ted Cruz of Texas and J.D. Vance of Ohio.
Some senators have expressed frustration at legislative action against TikTok being included in the foreign aid package, which includes humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.Which Senators Have TikTok Accounts?
Newsweek found nine verified accounts belonging to senators who voted for the TikTok legislation:
Few of these accounts have been used recently. Two of them, for Patty Murray and Raphael Warnock, were apparently created just for campaigning. Meanwhile, Booker and Brown have posted on the platform in the past week.
Newsweek has contacted media representatives for all nine senators via email for comment.
