Call Your Congressional Representative to Stop the Nonprofit Killer Bill!
Submitted on:
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 4:08pm
URGENT!
Protect Non-Profit Organizations from Harmful Legislation
An urgent call to act by the National Council of Churches:
Your voice is crucial in the fight to protect the vital work of non-profit organizations. While the title of the 'Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act' (HR 9495) may seem harmless, the bill includes provisions that could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of many secular and faith-based non-profit organizations that provide essential services such as humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and advocacy for marginalized communities. These provisions introduce sweeping measures that target groups based on vague or overly broad criteria.
What’s at Stake?
New Powers to Strip Non-Profit Status: The bill allows the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke the 501(c) status of organizations designated as “terrorist supporting organizations.” These are broadly defined as groups that have “materially supported” or provided resources to a terrorist organization.
Shift from Career Professionals to Political Appointees: Under current law, career IRS staff handle these designations. This bill shifts that authority to the Secretary of the Treasury, raising concerns about politicization and misuse.
Broad Opposition: Over 100 civil society and good governance groups oppose this bill, citing its risks to legitimate advocacy, humanitarian work, and community organizations.
Time-Sensitive Threat: When the bill was brought up under suspension of the Rules on November 12, 2024, it failed to achieve the 2/3 support required to pass. However, it is expected to return for reconsideration this week, potentially under regular order which would only require a simple majority to pass the bill.
Act Now!
We urge you to contact your member of Congress and ask them to oppose HR 9495’s harmful provisions that threaten the integrity and mission of non-profits. We urge you to take one or both of the actions below:
CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
1. Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to reach your representative.
2. Use this sample message:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State]. I’m calling to express my concern about HR 9495, the ‘Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.’ The proposed changes to the tax code threaten the non-profit status of organizations that are essential to our community. This bill gives undue authority to political appointees and undermines safeguards that protect non-profits. I urge Representative [Name] to oppose these harmful provisions. Thank you."
3. Share this alert with friends, family, and others in your network.
Let’s ensure that our collective voice is heard loud and clear. Together, we can stand up for the organizations that embody the values of compassion, service, and justice.
