1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

H.R. 9495 poses a grave threat to our constitutionally protected right to free speech and dissent. This bill would grant the executive branch sweeping powers to dismantle nonprofit organizations accused of providing "material support" to terrorist groups, without due process. The overbroad and vague definition of "material support" leaves ample room for abuse by authoritarian administrations seeking to silence political opposition under the guise of national security. We cannot ignore the disturbing history of discriminatory enforcement against Muslims, charities, and civil society groups in post-9/11 "material support" prosecutions. There is a clear risk that H.R. 9495 could enable viewpoint-based censorship and suppression of dissenting voices. Stripping away procedural safeguards will only exacerbate injustices rather than enhancing security. Protecting our democratic principles requires preserving the right to protest and advocate freely, even for unpopular causes. Undermining civil liberties is a path toward tyranny, not greater safety. I urge you to uphold the First Amendment and our nation's values by voting against this dangerous legislation.