1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express grave concerns about H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which is set for a House vote. This misguided legislation would grant the incoming administration immense power to unilaterally strip organizations of their tax-exempt status without due process or transparency. It threatens to muzzle dissent and punish a wide range of nonprofits, universities, media outlets, and other tax-exempt groups across the ideological spectrum. Over 100,000 constituents already contacted their representatives urging opposition to this bill last week when it narrowly failed under suspension rules. A broad coalition of over 180 organizations, including Planned Parenthood, AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, and the NAACP, have outlined how future administrations could abuse these provisions to silence disfavored voices and vulnerable communities. While the non-controversial hostage tax relief provision could easily pass as a stand-alone measure, bundling it with the anti-terrorism provisions creates a dangerous vehicle to stifle civil society. Every time more unilateral power is vested in the presidency, it opens the door to abuse and overreach by the executive branch. Given the rhetoric on the campaign trail, there is heightened reason for caution about such unchecked authority. I urge you to protect our vibrant nonprofit sector, preserve free speech and assembly rights, and uphold due process by voting no on H.R. 9495. This bill undermines core American values and democratic principles in a manner that should transcend partisan politics.