1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, poses a grave threat to civil society and nonprofits across the country. By granting the Treasury Secretary unilateral power to investigate and effectively shut down any tax-exempt organization based solely on an accusation, this bill undermines due process protections that are fundamental to a free society. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have voiced strong opposition, recognizing the severe consequences for civil rights and liberties if enacted. A coalition of over 300 nonprofit groups spanning diverse issues and ideologies has raised deep concerns about the chilling effect this legislation could have on their vital work. Nonprofits, universities, media outlets, and other civil society organizations play an essential role in our democracy. Allowing their tax-exempt status to be revoked without proper oversight or the chance to respond to allegations is a dangerous overreach of government power. This bill sets a disturbing precedent that jeopardizes the ability of these groups to operate freely. I urge you to reject H.R. 9495 and uphold the democratic principles that have safeguarded nonprofit organizations for over a century. Stripping away critical due process rights is antithetical to American values and will only serve to weaken our civic institutions. Protect nonprofits from unjustified retaliation and preserve their invaluable contributions to our society.