House Passes HR 9495, Granting Trump Administration Power to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Terrorist-Supporting Nonprofits

Nov 21, 2024, 03:13 PM

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed HR 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. The bill aims to revoke the tax-exempt status of U.S. nonprofits found to be materially supporting terrorist organizations and provide tax relief to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained. The legislation has sparked significant controversy, with supporters arguing it is necessary to prevent taxpayer funds from aiding terrorism, while opponents claim it grants the incoming Trump administration excessive unilateral power to target political adversaries and undermine civil society groups without due process. The bill has been opposed by over 160 organizations, including the ACLU and progressive Jewish groups, while receiving support from entities like the ADL and AIPAC. The House Rules Committee facilitated the vote, which took place on Thursday.