1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. While providing relief to Americans unlawfully detained abroad is reasonable, the provision terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations deemed by the IRS to provide "material support" to certain groups is highly concerning. This could enable the government to revoke tax exemptions based on a low evidentiary standard and minimal due process, potentially suppressing civil society groups and violating free speech. The bill's procedures lack sufficient safeguards and oversight. Terminating an organization's tax-exempt status is a severe penalty that should require a high bar of evidence and robust appeals process, which this bill fails to provide. I ask that you reject this overreach of government power that threatens fundamental rights.