This addendum post complements the previous post by providing detail about H.R. 9495 and offering actionable steps for those who want to get involved in the campaign against it.
Indivisible is actively campaigning against H.R. 9495, a bill that, according to the organization and many civil rights advocates, poses serious threats to dissenting organizations and civil liberties. This legislation, titled the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, has sparked controversy over its potential to undermine nonprofit organizations, particularly those engaging in political advocacy and protest. Indivisible and its allies are calling on concerned citizens to join the fight to prevent this bill from becoming law.
Key Concerns About H.R. 9495
- Unilateral Power:
The bill grants the Secretary of the Treasury sweeping authority to designate U.S. nonprofits as “terrorist-supporting organizations.” This designation could result in the revocation of their tax-exempt status without due process, making them vulnerable to attacks by the government simply for engaging in dissent. This could include organizations that criticize government policies or advocate for causes that oppose the current administration. This unprecedented power opens the door for abuse and selective targeting of organizations that challenge the status quo. - Chilling Effect on Free Speech:
Many critics of the bill, including Indivisible and leading civil rights organizations, argue that it could create a chilling effect on free speech. With the broad, vague language of the bill, nonprofits may feel pressured to self-censor and avoid engaging in political advocacy out of fear that they could be targeted and labeled as “terrorist-supporting” for merely voicing opposition to government policies. The absence of clear guidelines and due process leaves the door open for fear-driven compliance, rather than fostering a healthy, democratic exchange of ideas. - Broad and Vague Application:
While the sponsors of H.R. 9495 assert that the bill’s intent is to fight terrorism, opponents contend that its broad and vague language could easily lead to the targeting of any organization that the administration deems unfavorable, even if they have no connection to terrorism. This could include human rights organizations, environmental groups, or any nonprofit engaged in social justice work. In short, the bill has the potential to silence those who dissent, making it a dangerous precedent for free speech and civil society.
Indivisible’s Call to Action
In light of these grave concerns, Indivisible is urging all Americans to contact their representatives and voice opposition to H.R. 9495. Indivisible emphasizes that this bill is not only an anti-terrorism measure but also a direct attack on First Amendment rights. The organization is calling on constituents to demand that their representatives vote against the bill in future discussions, particularly those who may have previously supported it.
How You Can Take Action
- Contact Your Representative:
Indivisible has provided a simple, direct way for you to get involved. They have created a call script to guide you through a phone call to your congressional representative, urging them to vote no on H.R. 9495. Whether you call or email, make sure to express the dangerous consequences this bill could have for nonprofit organizations and free speech in the U.S. - Join Mobilization Efforts:
Indivisible is organizing efforts across its local chapters to amplify opposition to the bill. These efforts include phone banks, social media campaigns, and direct actions to make sure lawmakers understand the widespread opposition to this bill from civil rights groups and concerned citizens. You can find out more about the mobilization efforts and how to participate on the Indivisible campaign page. - Stay Informed and Spread the Word:
Make sure to stay updated on the latest developments and share information with your friends, family, and community. The more people who know about the dangers of this bill, the harder it will be for lawmakers to ignore the voices of the people.
Why This Matters
H.R. 9495 poses a grave threat to the values that have long defined the United States—freedom of speech, a vibrant civil society, and a government held accountable by its citizens. If passed, this bill could set a dangerous precedent for political repression, silencing dissent and undermining the very foundations of democracy.
Indivisible is standing firm against this overreach of power and is calling on you to join the fight. Together, we can prevent this bill from becoming law and ensure that freedom of speech and civil liberties remain protected in the United States.
For more information on how you can help, visit Indivisible’s full campaign page: Indivisible: Vote No on H.R. 9495.
Please, please get into the habit now of educating yourself, becoming more informed, as we have to know what we are facing and what we can do about it.
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