15 Democrats Align with House Republicans to Approve Controversial Nonprofit Bill
Last week, 52 Democrats from the U.S. House faced widespread criticism for supporting a GOP-led bill perceived as a threat to nonprofit organizations. By Thursday, however, fewer Democrats backed the bill, although the civil society sector still strongly criticized those who did, labeling their support as part of a “MAGA assault” on essential freedoms.
The bill in question, known as the “Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act” (H.R. 9495), was passed in the House by a vote of 219-184. This time, only 15 Democrats sided with all but one Republican to endorse the legislation.
The Democrats who voted in favor on Thursday included Reps. Jared Golden (Maine), Colin Allred (Texas), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), and Henry Cuellar (Texas).
If enacted, this law would empower the U.S. Treasury Department to remove the tax-exempt status of nonprofits it classifies as “terrorist supporting organizations.”
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich appealed to the Democrat-led Senate to prevent this “attack on free speech” from even reaching a vote during the lame-duck session. He emphasized the necessity for a strong “NO” vote should it come to the floor.
With the impending Republican control over Congress and the White House, critics like Reich warn that the Trump administration could gain “unprecedented and unchecked power” to target organizations opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, especially those advocating for Palestinian rights.
“This bill is a critical threat to free speech, civil society, and democracy,” stated Beth Miller, political director for Jewish Voice for Peace. “It targets groups working for Palestinian rights and aims to suppress all social justice movements. It’s a disgrace that this bill, reminiscent of authoritarian tactics, was passed by the House. The Senate must prevent this from progressing into law.”
Jewish Voice for Peace has identified that H.R. 9495 originates from right-wing agendas such as Project 2025 and the Heritage Foundation’s Christian nationalist Project Esther, which, under the guise of fighting antisemitism, seeks to undermine groups supporting Palestinian human rights.
Advocacy organizations, including Jewish Voice for Peace, praised the mobilization of civil society groups that have been actively opposing H.R. 9495 as Republicans readied it for another vote. Previously, the bill was stopped as it needed a two-thirds majority due to a procedural rule, despite having 52 Democratic supporters.
JVP Action reported sending over 35,000 letters to Congressional offices within a week to fight the legislation. Other groups like Fight for the Future, Muslims for Progressive Values, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations also joined this campaign.
Chip Gibbons, policy director for Defending Rights & Dissent, condemned the decision of those lawmakers who ignored “overwhelming civil society opposition.” He criticized the bill for its potential to wrongfully strip organizations of their nonprofit status in a politically motivated manner, lacking due process. Gibbons highlighted the danger of giving such powers to any administration but especially to one perceived as a threat to democratic standards.
Under the proposed legislation, the government would not be required to reveal the evidence behind its accusations of organizations being “terrorist supporting.” Defending Rights & Dissent warned that without proper due process, any nonprofit, from humanitarian groups to independent media, could lose their tax-exempt status, stifling free speech and dissent due to fear of legal entanglements and reputational damage.
Online news outlet Mondoweiss warned that if President Trump signs the bill, it could become a significant tool to suppress groups advocating for justice in Palestine. “If H.R. 9495 becomes law, it will mark the start of a perilous period where nonprofits could be dissolved based on scant evidence and without accountability,” Mondoweiss stated. “What begins with pro-Palestinian organizations could easily expand to any group critical of government policies.”
Similar Posts
- House Urged to Block Bill Allowing Trump to Target Nonprofits
- 52 House Democrats Urged to Reject GOP-Backed Bill That Could Cripple Nonprofits
- “No Excuses”: Tlaib Urges All House Dems to Protect Nonprofits Now!
- House Blocks Trump’s Attack on Nonprofits, Despite 52 Dems Opposition
- House GOP Pushes Bill Allowing Trump to Target Nonprofits
An economic reporter, Dax Everly breaks down financial trends and their impact on Americans’ daily lives.