April 24, 2024

Wyden Statement on Aid to Israel and Ukraine, Crackdown on Fentanyl Trafficking and TikTok Divestment Legislation

Wyden Praises Support for U.S. Allies; Warns TikTok Bill Will Not Protect Americans’ Privacy Against Chinese Government Surveillance

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded the passage of legislation to provide Ukraine, Israel, and America’s Indo-Pacific partners with $95 billion in security assistance to support their national defense, including $9.15 billion in lifesaving humanitarian aid, and to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States. 

“It is shameful that House Republicans slow-walked vital aid to America’s allies and partners and humanitarian relief for worsening conflicts, but I’m glad it finally will be going to the president’s desk. This measure shows America is still a world leader, and I believe this aid will hasten the end of the wars in Israel and Ukraine,” Wyden said. “I'm glad that this package also includes the bipartisan FEND OFF Fentanyl Act, which will help our country fight the scourge of fentanyl by disrupting illicit opioid supply chains and sanctioning transnational criminal organizations. Oregonians know that the addiction crisis in our country has reached unprecedented levels, and it's high time that Congress crack down on illicit traffickers."

In response to the TikTok divestment bill that the House attached to the larger package, Wyden cautioned it will do less to protect Americans’ privacy than needed, and warned that the executive branch should carefully exercise the bill’s authority. 

“I have serious concerns about any app that gives unfriendly foreign governments access to Americans' private data, and I believe there is a legitimate security risk caused by TikTok’s relationship to its China-based corporate parent,” Wyden said. “However, I remain concerned that this bill could have negative effects on free speech around the world, does too little to protect Americans’ privacy from being sold to China through third parties, and provides broad authority that could be abused by a future administration to violate Americans’ First Amendment rights. I plan to watchdog how this legislation is implemented, and will blow the whistle if the executive branch oversteps beyond the purpose of the bill.”