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

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to reconsider your prior support for H.R. 9495, the "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act." While this bill is presented as a measure to combat “terrorism,” it carries grave risks of undermining essential freedoms, stifling nonprofit advocacy, and enabling the misuse of terror designations to silence human rights organizations. H.R. 9495, as currently written, sets a troubling precedent that could empower any administration to unjustly target groups advocating for marginalized communities—particularly those supporting Palestinian liberation or other justice movements. The potential for this legislation to suppress free speech, peaceful protest, and legitimate advocacy is deeply concerning and incompatible with the democratic values we strive to uphold. I ask that you reflect on the broader implications of this legislation. By creating pathways for executive overreach and enabling the targeting of disfavored groups under vague and overly broad terms, this bill could harm the very freedoms it purports to protect. As your constituent, I urge you to prioritize protecting human rights, free expression, and the ability of nonprofit organizations to carry out critical advocacy work without fear of retaliation. Please reconsider your position and vote "nay" on H.R. 9495 should it come up for another vote. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this important issue. I trust in your commitment to justice and democracy.