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

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. While I fully support the objective of providing relief to U.S. nationals unlawfully detained abroad, I have significant concerns about the bill's broader implications, particularly regarding the potential impact on civil liberties and nonprofit organizations. One of my primary concerns is the provision that grants the Secretary of the Treasury unilateral authority to designate a nonprofit organization as a terrorist entity and revoke its tax-exempt status. This broad and unchecked power could lead to the targeting and silencing of organizations that may be critical of government policies or involved in legitimate and necessary advocacy work. Such actions could have a chilling effect on free speech and dissent, which are fundamental to our democratic principles. Furthermore, the bill's broad definition of "nonprofit" includes a wide range of organizations, such as news outlets, universities, and civil society groups. This could result in unintended consequences, undermining the essential work these organizations do in promoting education, awareness, and public discourse. While the goal of providing tax relief and support to hostages is commendable, I urge you to consider the broader implications of H.R. 9495. The bill, as currently written, poses a significant risk to free speech and civil liberties, and I believe it requires substantial revisions to address these concerns. I respectfully request that you oppose H.R. 9495 in its current form and work towards a more balanced solution that protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans while still providing necessary support to those unlawfully detained abroad. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to hearing from you regarding your position on this issue.