1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

H.R. 9495, the "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act," poses a grave threat to the nonprofit sector and must be opposed. While it purports to stop terrorism financing through nonprofits, which is already illegal under current laws, the bill goes much further. It would grant the Secretary of Treasury sweeping authority to unilaterally designate nonprofits as "terrorist-supporting organizations" and revoke their tax-exempt status with minimal due process. The Secretary could level such accusations without disclosing evidence, placing the burden of proof entirely on accused nonprofits to disprove the allegations within just 90 days. This constitutes a blatant violation of due process and could enable partisan abuse of power to suppress dissent by civil society organizations. Nonprofits advocating for reproductive rights, immigrant rights, peace, or equity could potentially be targeted as "terrorist" groups under this dangerously broad provision. Revoking an organization's tax-exempt status would be catastrophic, jeopardizing its ability to receive funding and continue operations. As nonprofits, we have a constitutionally protected right to advocate freely, which this bill gravely undermines. I urge you to stand against this unacceptable overreach by voting NO on H.R. 9495 to protect the vital work of the nonprofit sector and safeguard civil liberties.