1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

H.R. 9495 poses a grave threat to free speech and civil liberties by giving the executive branch unchecked authority to shut down non-profit organizations deemed to provide "material support" to terrorist groups. This vague definition could be abused to target groups based on their political advocacy and viewpoints. The United States has a troubling history of discriminatory "material support" investigations disproportionately targeting Muslims, charities, and civil society voices of dissent under the guise of national security. Rather than keeping us safe, H.R. 9495 risks chilling protected speech and undermining due process. It enables the government to punish disfavored groups without affording them fair procedures. This bill is fundamentally undemocratic and antithetical to American values of free expression. I urge you to protect civil liberties and vote no on this dangerous legislation.