Unfortunately, H.R. 9495, the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” passed the US House of Representatives last week. As it moves onto the Senate, it still poses an alarming threat to our communities and the organizations working tirelessly to serve residents across the state. We need your help to stop this threat in its tracks.
To recap, this legislation grants the Secretary of Treasury the authority to label nonprofits as “terrorist-supporting organizations,” without due process. Under H.R. 9495, organizations serving immigrants and refugees, fighting poverty, or championing equity could be penalized simply for standing up for our communities.
H.R. 9495 is not about combating terrorism—it is about undermining free speech, stifling dissent, and creating a dangerous precedent for targeting organizations that advance rights and challenge systemic inequalities
Latino Community Fund still needs your help to stop this harmful bill. Here’s what you can do right now:
- 1) Contact Washington State Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and urge them to vote NO on H.R. 9495.
- Senator Patty Murray
- Call: (202) 224-2621
- Email: Contact Here
- Instagram: @senpattymurray
- Senator Maria Cantwell
- Call: (202) 224-3441
- Email: Contact Here
- Instagram: @rsenatormariacantwell
- Or Call the Capitol Switchboard
- Reach your Senators at 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on this bill.
- Senator Patty Murray
- 2) Spread the Word
- Use social media, community networks, and local events to educate others about the dangers of H.R. 9495.
Talking Points for Opposing H.R. 9495:
- 1) Threat to Community Nonprofits
- H.R. 9495 jeopardizes the critical work of nonprofits serving immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities.
- It risks stripping organizations of their tax-exempt status based on vague accusations, undermining their ability to advocate for systemic justice and equity.
- 2) Unchecked Authority and Lack of Transparency
- The bill grants the Secretary of Treasury unprecedented power to label nonprofits as “terrorist-supporting” without requiring evidence or disclosure of reasoning.
- Such authority lacks accountability and violates fundamental principles of due process.
- 3) Chilling Effect on Free Speech
- By targeting organizations that dissent or advocate for marginalized groups, this legislation threatens to silence our voices and undermine public discourse.
- Nonprofits working to address systemic inequities could face penalties simply for advocating for their communities.
- 4) Dangerous Precedent
- H.R. 9495 sets a troubling standard for labeling and penalizing organizations based on their advocacy or perceived opposition to government policies.
- This precedent risks misuse in the future, creating a climate of fear and limiting advocacy for justice and equity.
- 5) Impact on Families and Communities
- Nonprofits are a lifeline for families facing poverty, discrimination, and displacement.
- Weakening these organizations undermines the infrastructure supporting vulnerable communities and widens inequities.
For the future of our communities, we urge Congress to stand against H.R. 9495.
Sincerely,
Latino Community Fund of Washington State
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