1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The proposed Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act grants sweeping and unilateral power to the executive branch to arbitrarily target and dismantle nonprofits under the guise of combating terrorism financing. This bill poses a severe threat to constitutionally protected rights of free speech and freedom of association. While combating terrorism is a legitimate aim, this legislation lacks proper oversight and due process protections. It enables the Treasury Secretary, a political appointee, to revoke an organization's tax-exempt status solely on the basis of unsubstantiated accusations, without requiring evidence that meets established legal standards. Numerous civil liberties organizations have raised alarms about the bill's potential for abuse to suppress dissenting voices and crack down on human rights advocacy, particularly support for Palestinian rights. Furthermore, attaching this dangerous provision to legislation intended to support American hostages held abroad is a cynical ploy to garner support through an unrelated populist measure. The well-being of our citizens should not be exploited as a vehicle to undermine fundamental constitutional principles and civic freedoms that distinguish American democracy. I urge you to reject this legislation and instead pursue anti-terrorism policies through comprehensive, constitutionally sound reforms that safeguard civil liberties and enshrine government accountability and transparency. Unchecked, unilateral executive powers will only breed further injustice and erode the democratic foundations our nation was built upon.