1. United States
2. N.M.
3. Letter

The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act aims to provide support for U.S. citizens wrongfully detained or taken hostage overseas, an admirable goal. However, its provisions terminating tax exemptions without due process and overly broad scope risk infringing on civil liberties and impacting legitimate humanitarian nonprofits abroad unintentionally. Under Donald Trump, this bill allows him and the GOP to target nonprofit organizations they deem antigovernment. This bill furthers our government's ability to crack down on dissenting voices by revoking tax-exempt status from groups it opposes. More targeted, constitutional measures specifically tailored to hostage situations may better balance national security and protecting rights. I urge revisiting this legislation to uphold democratic principles while assisting unjustly detained Americans.