1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I urge you to vote no on this bill. The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act aims to provide relief for American citizens who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad by postponing tax deadlines, reimbursing paid late fees, and terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations providing material support to terrorist groups. While assisting detained Americans is commendable, terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations based solely on allegations of providing de minimis support raises concerns about due process and free speech protections. The proposed process for designating an organization as a "terrorist supporting organization" lacks sufficient safeguards and judicial oversight. The broad criteria and low evidentiary standard could inadvertently capture organizations engaged in legitimate humanitarian or peacebuilding activities. Furthermore, the ability to rely on classified evidence that organizations cannot effectively challenge violates fundamental principles of fairness and transparency. Addressing the plight of hostages is important, but not at the expense of civil liberties and constitutionally protected rights. I urge reconsideration of the provisions related to stripping tax-exempt status to incorporate robust due process protections, a higher evidentiary standard, and full judicial review. Ensuring both security and civil liberties requires a careful balancing, which this bill fails to achieve in its current form. Improvements are needed to uphold fundamental democratic values.