1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

The proposed Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act aims to provide relief to United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage. However, the measure also contains concerning provisions that could undermine fundamental rights and enable government overreach. The bill would give the Secretary of the Treasury broad authority to designate organizations as "terrorist supporting organizations" and terminate their tax-exempt status, even based on classified information without sufficient due process protections. This could be exploited to target legitimate organizations critical of government policies under the guise of combating terrorism. Protecting national security is crucial, but measures must have robust safeguards against abuse of power. Furthermore, while assisting American hostages is a worthy goal, the proposed tax relief could inadvertently create perverse incentives for hostile actors to capture U.S. nationals for financial leverage. A more tailored approach directly aiding hostages and their families while maintaining deterrence may be preferable. In its current form, this legislation raises significant civil liberties concerns that require thorough examination and amendment to establish proper oversight and prevent potential misuse. Protecting both security and fundamental freedoms is achievable with prudent reforms. I urge cautious review to uphold democratic principles while addressing genuine threats through fair, constitutional means.