1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, poses a grave threat to civil liberties and democratic values. This legislation would grant the Treasury Secretary sweeping powers to unilaterally investigate and strip tax-exempt status from any organization, including news outlets, universities, and civil society groups, based solely on an accusation of wrongdoing. This unchecked authority undermines due process and enables the targeting of dissenting voices under the guise of national security. Over 300 nonprofit organizations spanning diverse issues and ideologies have expressed deep concerns about the consequences of this bill for our fundamental rights. Despite widespread public opposition, with over 100,000 Americans urging Congress to reject it, the House narrowly passed H.R. 9495. This troubling legislation now moves to the Senate, and it is imperative that our elected representatives uphold the principles of a free and open society by refusing to advance this dangerous attack on civil society.