Your Advocacy Still Needed to Fight Nonprofit “Terrorist”/Kill Nonprofits Bill, HR 9495

Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, alarming legislation that would grant the Secretary of the Treasury unrestricted power to strip away the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations deemed “terrorist-supporting organizations” without sufficient due process. Nonprofits across the country (including many of you) mobilized quickly against this measure over concerns of potential political retribution from a new presidential administration that has vowed to target groups it disfavors. Learn more here.

The final vote was mostly along partisan lines, with near unanimous Republican support and strong opposition from Democrats, 219-184; however, 15 Democrats broke with their caucus to vote in favor of the bill.

The good news is that outreach from members of CalNonprofits and allies from across the country changed Democrats’ votes in favor of this measure from 52 to only 15, showing your advocacy made a big difference; clearly, elected officials need to hear nonprofit voices.

So, what’s next for this legislation? While it’s not expected to pass in the Senate, we cannot be complacent. Some or all of the bill will almost certainly be reintroduced in 2025 when Republicans control both houses of Congress. This means we have work to do now.

Next Steps for our Nonprofit Community

Here’s how you can take action now:

1. Thank the congressional representatives who flipped their votes from yes to no; there were six from California., including Zoe Lofgren, Sharing your appreciation lets them know the nonprofit community is paying close attention and reaffirms why the legislation is so problematic. Legislators need to hear from us when they do the right thing too!
2. There were two California representatives who did not vote at all. They need to hear from all Californians, but especially if you live in their district. It should be made clear to them that not voting on such an important measure is unacceptable to nonprofits and the people we serve in their communities.
   Julia Brownley – (202) 225-5811
   Katie Porter – (202) 225-5611
   
3. See how your local representative voted on H.R. 9495 here and contact them to share either concerns or praise based on their vote. Despite requests, Congress Member Jimmy Panetta voted YEA.
   
4. Call California’s Senators now and tell them you reject H.R. 9495, and you urge them to do everything they can to oppose this legislation passing in the Senate. Use this tool here or directly, Alex Padilla and incoming Senator Adam Schiff when he takes office, January 3, 2025.

Thank you for your advocacy support!