US House Passes Bill that Threatens Civil Society Organizations
On November 21, 2024, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, which would grant the secretary of the US Department of the Treasury unilateral authority to remove the tax-exempt status of any US nonprofit group that it designates a “terrorist supporting organization,” which the legislation does not clearly define. The bill does not require the government to provide evidence to support such a decision.
[gopher://gopher.floodgap.com/0/feeds/democracynow/2024/Nov/22/2](gopher://gopher.floodgap.com/0/feeds/democracynow/2024/Nov/22/2)
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved H.R. 9495, dubbed the
"nonprofit killer" by civil society groups. The measure would give the
incoming Trump administration broad authority to go after its critics by
revoking the tax-exempt status of any group it labels a "terrorist
supporting organization," with no evidence needed. The bill passed on a
219-184 vote, with 15 Democrats joining Republicans. H.R. 9495 has the
support of the Anti-Defamation League and other Israel lobby groups.
Critics warn the law would immediately target organizations fighting for
Palestinian rights. The bill's fate in the Senate remains uncertain.
#human-rights #human-rights-watch #hrw #civil-rights #trump #republicans #republican-party #civil-society #israel #palestine #palestinians #gaza
