1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I urge opposition to H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. While the intent to provide relief to American hostages and victims of wrongful detention is admirable, the provision to terminate the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed by the Treasury Department to be "terrorist supporting organizations" raises significant concerns about due process and infringement on constitutionally protected rights. This provision grants the executive branch unilateral authority to revoke an organization's tax-exempt status based on vague criteria and without adequate legal safeguards or judicial oversight. Such unchecked powers could be abused to target dissenting voices, human rights advocates, or minority groups under the guise of national security. Rather than resorting to punitive measures that undermine democratic principles, we should pursue lawful means that uphold civil liberties while addressing hostile threats through proper legal channels involving impartial adjudication. Protecting the American people does not require compromising our foundational values of freedom and justice.