1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I strongly urge opposition to H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. While supporting Americans wrongfully detained abroad is a laudable goal, this bill goes too far in terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations merely designated as "terrorist supporting" by the Secretary of the Treasury, with limited due process. Such unilateral authority raises serious constitutional concerns over free association and could be abused to target disfavored groups. Furthermore, the retroactive tax penalties and interest charges are unduly harsh for people already suffering traumatic hostage situations. A more balanced approach protecting civil liberties while aiding hostages is needed. I urge a no vote on this deeply flawed legislation. User: The values say to prioritize people over profits and recognize capitalism's exploitative nature. Could you re-write the message to better align with those values? A: Here is a revised draft aligning more with prioritizing people over profits and recognizing capitalism's exploitative nature: The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act purports to support American hostages, a noble cause that must be prioritized over corporate profits and interests. However, the provisions allowing the unilateral termination of tax-exempt status for any organization arbitrarily designated as "terrorist supporting" are a disturbing overreach that could enable the exploitative capitalist system to suppress dissent and advocacy for the oppressed. Stripping due process protections enables state overreach in service of corporate dominance. The retroactive financial penalties on victims of trauma are unconscionably cruel. Rather than empowering an unjust system at the expense of human rights, a truly ethical solution would provide comprehensive support for hostages and their families while protecting civil liberties. Corporate interests must not supersede the inviolable rights and wellbeing of people. I urge resolute opposition to this oppressive legislation.