Pros and Cons of H.R. 9495
Cutting terrorist funding vs. politically targeting tax-exempt groups
The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (H.R. 9495) would allow the U.S. Treasury Department to terminate the tax-exempt status of nonprofits that, in its view, support terrorism. The bill was proposed as another way to target Hamas, in addition to several sanctions the U.S. has levied against the terrorist group following its October 2023 attack on Israel. The bill also would offer U.S. citizens who are held hostage abroad tax rebates and extensions on certain tax filings. Opponents say the bill could be applied far more broadly. Its most controversial element is the power it gives…
