1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 9495, which grants the executive branch sweeping new powers to target and dismantle nonprofit organizations deemed to have provided “material support” to terrorist groups. This legislation represents a dangerous threat to free speech, the right to dissent, and the principles of fairness and justice that underpin our democracy. Recent rhetoric has already demonstrated how easily legitimate protests and student organizations are conflated with terrorist organizations. Government officials have begun to label peaceful protests and student movements as sympathetic to terrorism based solely on their support for Palestinian rights. Under H.R. 9495, the power to categorize any nonprofit group as providing “material support” would inevitably open the door to abuses that could stifle free expression, undermine academic freedom, and further criminalize dissent. History has shown us that “material support” statutes disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially Muslim organizations and charities, which have been unfairly targeted and prosecuted in the past two decades. This bill would only expand the potential for similar discriminatory actions, increasing government overreach into nonprofit organizations and threatening our civil liberties. Rather than endorsing a law that poses such a threat to free speech and the open exchange of ideas, I urge you to oppose H.R. 9495. This bill gives the executive branch powers that are ripe for abuse and would harm the very foundations of our democracy. Please vote against this dangerous legislation and protect the rights of all Americans to speak freely and dissent without fear. I urge Congress to VOTE NO ON H.R. 9495. Thank you for your attention to this matter.