Since 9/11, government watch lists have steadily expanded, infringing on civil liberties and disproportionately targeting vulnerable communities. Now, Congress is pushing HR 9495, a bill that could severely undermine free speech and advocacy under the false pretense of fighting terrorism.
If passed, HR 9495 would:
- Give the Secretary of the Treasury unchecked authority to label any nonprofit as a terrorist-supporting organization, opening the door to politically motivated or arbitrary crackdowns.
- Allow secret evidence to be used against nonprofits, stripping them of their rights and leaving them defenseless.
- Create a chilling effect on free speech, forcing organizations to avoid important causes for fear of being unfairly targeted.
Evade Accountability: Rely on classified information that limits transparency and prevents affected groups from challenging wrongful designations.
This legislation is a direct attack on civil liberties, using vague and overreaching standards to silence dissent and shut down legitimate activism. If HR 9495 becomes law, it will undermine democracy by turning nonprofit advocacy into a dangerous liability.
