1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The proposed Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act contains measures that are objectionable. While providing relief to Americans unjustly detained abroad is a laudable goal, terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed "terrorist supporting" based on an opaque designation process raises significant civil liberties concerns. This provision would allow the government to revoke an organization's tax-exempt status without due process, based potentially on classified evidence the organization cannot review. Such a unilateral revocation of rights, without the opportunity to properly contest the designation, sets a troubling precedent that undermines democratic values and constitutional protections. For these reasons, this bill should not move forward in its current form. Alternative approaches that uphold transparency and afford robust judicial oversight would better align with principles of fairness and justice.