Dear John,

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to take another vote on H.R. 9495 – Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act – this week. Without our immediate, collective action, this legislation could pass and have far-reaching effects for organizations like Gamaliel, its affiliates, and partner organizations and result in the loss of their not-for-profit status simply by exercising their rights to free speech.

According to supporters of H.R. 9495, this piece of legislation is simply meant to focus on non-profits that support terrorist activities and was birthed in response to the conflicts on college campuses over the war in Gaza; however, a growing number of organizations, including civil rights, religious, reproductive health, immigrant rights, human rights, racial justice, LGBTQIA+, environmental, and educational organizations, describe this bill as legislation that would grant the executive branch broad and easily abused powers to swiftly revoke the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit by asserting that it is a “terrorist supporting organization.” Per the legislation, the Treasury Department could make the designation without any real due process and without having to produce evidence justifying the decision.

It is critical that we take action immediately by contacting our Members of Congress and urging them to vote “no” on H.R. 9459. Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and follow the prompts to speak with your Member of Congress.

Elections have consequences, but so do our failures to act between elections. Make that call to your Member today!

In solidarity,

Cynthia Jarrold