John,

I’ve been messaging you a lot recently about a misleadingly titled bill that recently passed the U.S. House and which threatens to undermine the essential work of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups. This legislation could hand Donald Trump -- and future presidents -- sweeping powers to label nonprofits as "terrorist-affiliated," stripping them of their tax-exempt status and public support.

The bill is titled the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, but the nonprofit community has aptly renamed it the "Nonprofit Killer Bill," recognizing its catastrophic potential to silence organizations that champion civil liberties, human rights, women’s rights, voting rights, and environmental protections.

This bill is a dream come true for Trump, granting him a potent tool to retaliate against any groups he might want to silence or dismantle. Even a baseless accusation could devastate a nonprofit’s reputation, tax status, and ability to fundraise -- especially when it comes to organizations fighting for justice and accountability, which oppressive regimes most often seek to suppress.

Despite grassroots efforts that persuaded 37 of 52 Democratic House Representatives to oppose the bill in a single week, it managed to clear the Republican-controlled House. Now, it heads to the Senate where we can ensure it goes no further.

Urgent action is needed to protect the vital work of nonprofits from being jeopardized by this dangerous legislation. Send a direct message to your senators now!

Nonprofit leaders and advocates across the nation -- including the ACLU, the National Council of Nonprofits, Independent Sector, and the Council on Foundations -- are uniting to oppose this legislation. They recognize it for what it is: a Trojan horse that can be used to undermine organizations that stand for democracy and equality.

With no standard (and no proof needed) for labeling a group “terrorist-affiliated,” the bill’s broad and vague language creates a pathway for abuse by any administration, regardless of political party.

Consider this example: A nonprofit providing food, medical aid, or education to children in conflict zones could be labeled “terrorist-aligned” simply because the children originate from politically sensitive regions. Such organizations, which serve as vital lifelines for the most vulnerable, could face unwarranted scrutiny and potentially catastrophic consequences.

Nonprofits serve as a critical check on power, standing up for marginalized communities and holding those in authority accountable. This bill threatens to dismantle those efforts, creating an environment where advocacy and support work can be crushed at the whim of political leaders. Fighting for justice is hard enough without placing these groups (including groups like this one!) at the mercy of unchecked executive power.

We must make sure the senate stops this bill. The work of nonprofits -- defending civil rights, protecting the environment, advancing voting rights, and advocating for human dignity -- must not be sacrificed to partisan vendettas or authoritarian overreach.

Protect essential organizations. Please sign and send your message now!

Thank you for helping to ensure the Nonprofit Killer Bill never becomes law.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action