1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I have just learned of a bill that was blocked in the Rules Committee but brought back for another vote, and it is one that, staring down our incoming administration, chills me to my core. If the House passes this legislation, HR 9495, they would hand the government a dangerous tool to stifle free speech and punish disfavored groups. We must take action. This bill gives the executive branch the authority to effectively dismantle any nonprofit organization it deems to have provided "material support" to terrorist groups and the potential for abuse under this law is staggering. What, exactly, is "material support" and what constitutes a tax exempt organization from being labeled terrorist groups? Mutual aid groups for protestors? Union strike funds? Organizations supporting free speech in all of its forms? The right to dissent is one of the cornerstones of American democracy, and this bill would rip it to shreds. Do not support it.