1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act" (H.R. 9495) risks endangering nonprofits by granting the Treasury Secretary sweeping authority to unilaterally designate charitable organizations as "terrorist-supporting" and revoke their tax-exempt status with minimal due process. While well-intentioned, the bill opens the door for potential abuse and overreach, subjecting organizations to unfounded accusations without requiring disclosed evidence. Nonprofits play a vital role in advocating for civil liberties, human rights, and marginalized communities - roles that could be suppressed under this legislation's broad powers. Safeguarding due process and protecting the nonprofit sector's ability to serve the public good should take precedence. A vote against H.R. 9495 upholds these fundamental principles and prevents setting a concerning precedent that threatens constitutionally protected freedoms of speech and association.