The TikTok bill proves Congress can get serious about national security

It is undeniably good news that the House of Representatives passed an anti-TikTok bill last week by an immense majority. The legislation would force a divestment of the video app from its Chinese owners. It is an important step toward rooting out Chinese Communist Party spyware and cultural influence from American life.

In a moment of intense division, the overwhelming bipartisan support this bill received should inspire optimism. As retiring Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) said, “This is a common-sense measure to protect our national security.” Despite a year of chaos between and within the parties, this bill proves members can come together to address national security threats when they loom large enough.

The House’s unity on this bill, however, stands in stark contrast to inaction on other pressing national security issues. Extreme factions in both parties have embraced a renewed isolationism, and Republican and Democratic leaders alike are petrified by these groups’ influence. But extremists do not speak for the vast body of Americans. Members should use the growing momentum to push forward with other national security priorities before the 118th Congress ends, including passing the supplemental spending bills to support Ukraine and Israel.

The scale of the national security threat America faces cannot be overstated. Just last Tuesday, China, Iran, and Russia began a series of joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman. This emerging Eurasian axis is cooperating to take advantage of Western weakness, and yet it seems the parties in Congress cannot get their act together to pass a supplemental spending bill to support our allies in Ukraine and Israel.

Read more in the Washington Examiner.