Nashville Standard

NEW YORK CITY—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) recently shared his insights on various legislative matters during an appearance on Bloomberg Technology. Hagerty addressed concerns regarding the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, appropriations bills, and an amendment related to the census.

Hagerty expressed his concerns about the CCP owning Americans’ data, emphasizing the importance of protecting data privacy from surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party. He stated, "I think the bill is trying to address a very real concern that has to do with the national security laws of China."

Regarding Trump's opposition to the TikTok legislation, Hagerty highlighted censorship concerns and the need to ensure that American voices are not suppressed. He remarked, "The degree by which this government, certainly this White House, has been, ‘flagging a post of concern to them,’ and that all feels like censorship to most Americans."

When discussing the potential buyer for TikTok, Hagerty expressed a preference for an American owner, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and underscoring the need for a transparent process.

Hagerty also criticized the appropriations process led by Chuck Schumer, calling it "legislative malpractice" and expressing frustration over delays in finalizing bills, potentially leading to a government shutdown.

Furthermore, Hagerty elaborated on his amendment aimed at excluding illegal aliens from being counted in congressional seat allocation, emphasizing the importance of basing representation on citizens eligible to vote.

Highlighting bipartisan divisions, Hagerty mentioned Senate Democrats blocking his census amendment, emphasizing the need for prioritizing legislative actions that address crucial issues.

In conclusion, Hagerty acknowledged the significance of the TikTok legislation, balancing security concerns with data privacy and free speech considerations. He noted, "I think the concerns are both very real."

Hagerty's insights shed light on the complexities surrounding legislative efforts, from data privacy concerns to appropriations processes, reflecting the ongoing debates and challenges within the U.S. political landscape.