Thread by @Mondoweiss

🧵 BREAKING: The U.S. House has just passed HR 9495, a bill that dramatically expands the Treasury’s power to revoke tax-exempt status from nonprofits it deems to be “supporting terrorism.” Here’s what this means for Palestinian rights organizations and free speech in the U.S.

1/ This bill was passed in the wake of widespread protests against Israel’s genocide on Gaza, with Palestinian solidarity groups already facing bad-faith accusations of being “pro-Hamas.” Critics warn that this legislation is designed to silence dissent, not combat terrorism.

2/ The bill gives the Treasury Department sweeping authority to strip nonprofits of their tax-exempt status, often without disclosing evidence. If passed into law,organizations would have only 90 days to challenge the designation—without access to the information used against them. Due process would effectively be erased.

3/ Civil rights advocates have raised the alarm for months. More than 100 organizations, including the ACLU, warned that the law’s vague language could be used to disproportionately target advocacy groups that criticize U.S. foreign policy, especially those supporting Palestinian rights.

4/ Under Trump’s incoming administration, the dangers are even more pronounced. This law could become a powerful tool to crack down on groups that advocate for justice in Palestine. The financial hit of losing nonprofit status will force many organizations to scale back or shut down entirely.

5/ The impact extends beyond just financial losses. Being labeled as a “terror-supporting” organization carries a heavy stigma, deterring donors and allies. The law essentially weaponizes fear to silence voices that challenge U.S. policies in the Middle East.

6/ Proponents of HR 9495 claim it addresses gaps in current laws, but experts point out that existing legislation already prevents nonprofits from supporting terrorism, with due process in place. This new law bypasses those safeguards, giving the government unchecked power.

7/ By bundling tax relief for Americans held captive abroad with this legislation, Congress ensured its passage with minimal opposition. But make no mistake—the real purpose i

8/END The next stop is for the bill to go to the Senate. If HR 9495 becomes law, we’ll be entering a dangerous era where nonprofits can be shut down with little evidence and no accountability. Today it’s pro-Palestinian groups—tomorrow it could be any organization critical of government policy.