1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, poses a grave threat to free speech and dissent by allowing the incoming Trump administration to strip tax-exempt status from any organization it accuses of wrongdoing, without due process. This unchecked power could be abused to target political opponents, independent media, civil society groups, and others simply for criticizing the government. While the bill includes a 90-day "cure" period, organizations may be denied the reasons and evidence against them, making it virtually impossible to mount a defense. Over 130 tax-exempt groups, spanning human rights, reproductive rights, immigrants' rights and more, have urged Congress to reject this dangerous legislation that undermines core democratic values. The provisions related to preventing IRS penalties on hostages have already passed the Senate separately and could quickly become law by passing a clean bill. Protecting legitimate nonprofits from politically motivated attacks on their tax status is crucial to safeguarding a robust civil society. I urge you to vote no on H.R. 9495 and reject any attempts to crush dissent.