1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 9495, the so-called ‘Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.’ This bill combines two unrelated measures in a way that is clearly intended to make it difficult to oppose, but the consequences of its passage would be deeply harmful to organizations dedicated to advocacy and humanitarian aid. The bill’s provision to suspend the tax-exempt status of so-called “terrorist-supporting organizations” is both vague and dangerously open to abuse. This language poses a severe threat to nonprofits supporting Palestinian rights, environmental protection, and reproductive freedom, making it possible for the Treasury Secretary to target these organizations under the broadest possible pretext. In reality, this bill provides yet another avenue to silence groups that challenge U.S. support for the ongoing human rights abuses and genocide in Gaza. Furthermore, combining this harmful provision with a separate and reasonable measure to protect Americans wrongly imprisoned or held hostage seems like a cynical attempt to push through a dangerous attack on nonprofits under the guise of national security. This manipulative tactic undermines the democratic principles of free speech and the right to dissent. I urge you to recognize the dangers inherent in H.R. 9495 and to protect the rights of nonprofit organizations that play a vital role in challenging harmful government policies and advocating for humanitarian causes. Please oppose this bill in defense of these essential voices.