1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

The proposed legislation H.R. 9495 grants excessive authority to the executive branch, undermining the system of checks and balances essential to a healthy democracy. Concentrating power in this manner poses risks of abuse and overreach. The legislation does not require disclosure of the reasons for such a decision or the evidence relied upon to support it, nor would the government be required to provide any evidence in its possession that might undermine its decision. The potential for abuse under H.R. 9495 is immense, as the Trump administration would be handed a tool it could use to curb free speech, censor nonprofit media outlets, target political opponents, and punish disfavored groups across the political spectrum. Moreover, the addition of this authority to the tax code would allow the IRS to explicitly target and harass domestic nonprofits using its investigative authority. This authority could be used to target political opponents through the fear of crippling legal fees, the stigma of the designation, and donors fleeing controversy to stifle dissent, chilling free speech and advocacy. As a representative body, Congress must fulfill its constitutional duty to serve as a co-equal branch of government and counterweight to unilateral executive action. Preserving the separation of powers protects individual liberties and prevents any single entity from amassing unchecked control. I urge you to uphold your oath to the Constitution by rejecting this bill and its consolidation of power under the presidency.