1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The proposed Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide relief to American hostages and individuals wrongfully detained abroad. However, there are concerns that need to be addressed. While supporting American hostages is laudable, terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed to provide material support to terrorist groups raises significant constitutional issues regarding due process and free association rights. The broad designation process outlined lacks sufficient safeguards, oversight, and avenues for appeal. Moreover, the potential for abuse and targeting of civil society groups based on unfounded allegations is troubling. This could stifle legitimate activism, dissent, and humanitarian efforts. Before proceeding, a comprehensive review addressing these civil liberties concerns is imperative. The measures regarding tax deadline extensions and penalty waivers for hostages are positive. But the provisions enabling terrorist designations require substantial revision to uphold constitutional principles and protect internationally recognized rights. A more calibrated approach balancing security and civil liberties is needed. I urge reconsideration and amendment of these problematic sections.