My Vote on the TikTok Ban and the IRS’ New Free, Direct Tax-Filing Program

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email reaches you and your family in good health and safety. I wanted to briefly update you about my vote opposing legislation to ban the social media app, TikTok, and share an important new resource during tax filing season.

Banning TikTok is the Wrong Approach

I strongly believe we must take immediate action to enact greater oversight over big tech and social media companies including TikTok, but the bill voted on in the House this week was the wrong approach. That’s why I voted no.

Instead of targeting a single company in a rushed and restricted process, Congress should pass comprehensive data privacy legislation that creates standards and regulations around data harvesting across all social media companies, like many other nations have done. I also have serious concerns about the First Amendment implications of a ban on TikTok, which millions of Americans rely on to consume news, make a living, and build community with one another.

I haven’t minced words when it comes to the need for Congressional action on social media – particularly to address safety, mental health, and harassment implications.

And I implore my colleagues in Congress to take a holistic and comprehensive approach to regulating big tech, protecting our data privacy, and stopping the spread of disinformation.

The IRS’ Direct File Program

With taxes due on April 15, you should know about Direct File, a brand-new IRS program that could save you time and money during tax season. Direct File is a simple, secure, and always free way to file your taxes online directly with the IRS. It’s free, fast, and covers approximately one-third of tax situations in participating states like Massachusetts.

Direct File was made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by Congressional Democrats and signed into law by President Biden. You can head to https://directfile.irs.gov/ to check your eligibility. 

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to visit our website at Pressley.House.Gov or call my office at (617) 850-0040.

In service and solidarity,


Ayanna Pressley

Member of Congress