1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (H.R. 9495) is a deeply concerning bill that would grant the Treasury Secretary unilateral power to designate any nonprofit organization as a "terrorist supporting organization" and revoke its tax-exempt status. This legislation poses a grave threat to constitutionally protected freedoms of speech and association. It could enable the targeting of civil society groups based on ideological differences rather than substantiated evidence. While the bill's purported intent is to prevent terror financing, its broad and vague language leaves it ripe for abuse against organizations that voice dissent or engage in advocacy opposed by those in power. History has shown that such overreaching authorities are often wielded as tools to suppress marginalized voices and stifle legitimate political expression. Unchecked government power to dismantle nonprofits could have a chilling effect on robust civic engagement essential to a healthy democracy. I urge you to reject H.R. 9495 and any measures that undermine constitutional protections under the guise of national security. Upholding civil liberties while keeping Americans safe from violent extremism need not be mutually exclusive. This bill fails to strike that critical balance. Robust public debate, not unilateral suppression of disfavored voices, is the hallmark of a free society.