1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

Do not pass the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. This bill aims to provide tax relief and refunds for individuals unlawfully detained or held hostage abroad, as well as terminate the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed to provide material support to terrorist groups. However, the provisions granting the IRS authority to unilaterally designate organizations as "terrorist supporting" without due process raise significant civil liberties concerns. While supporting Americans held hostage is laudable, the bill's overly broad terrorist designation powers require substantial revision to protect constitutional rights. I urge revisiting this legislation to address these issues and strike a better balance between national security and protecting fundamental freedoms.