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Muslim, Arab Groups Applaud House Rejection of ‘Nonprofit Killer Bill’ [1]
['Ismail Allison']
Date: 2024-11
Today, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), ICNA Council for Social Justice, Justice For All, Muslim American Society (MAS), and Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) issued a joint statement welcoming the defeat of H.R. 9495, or the “Nonprofit Killer Bill,” which fell short of the 2/3 majority needed to pass in the House of Representatives with a vote of 256-145. Groups noted the act could still pass by a simple majority and is expected to be reintroduced and debated in the next congressional session.
The legislation, widely condemned by civil rights and religious organizations, and U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Summer Lee, Ro Khanna, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and others, would have empowered the Treasury Department with sweeping authority to unilaterally revoke nonprofit tax status without evidence or due process—a move designed to chill free speech and stifle advocacy on behalf of Palestinian human rights.
Issuing a joint statement, the Arab and Muslim American groups said:
“H.R. 9495’s defeat in the U.S. House marks a momentary victory in protecting free speech, due process, and the vital role nonprofits play in American democracy. Last night’s vote highlights the power of grassroots advocacy and the public’s commitment to protecting nonprofits from government intimidation and retaliation.
“This bill was designed to criminalize organizations and activists who oppose the U.S.’s unconditional support of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians and the slaughter of Lebanese civilians. Such legislation threatened the constitutional rights of American nonprofits, houses of worship, and advocacy organizations—regardless of political orientation. Lawmakers must understand the serious, long-term dangers of advancing bills or investigations that seek to suppress lawful activism and silence dissent.
“H.R. 9495, and bills like it, remain a serious threat and we are committed to educating those representatives who supported it on the severe risks of giving the Treasury unchecked power to target nonprofits. Americans do not want Congress to adopt laws like H.R. 9495, which could set a chilling precedent by silencing advocates for Palestinian rights or any other crucial issues.
“We anticipate this fight will return in the next Congress and are prepared to defend these essential rights once again. We will continue to stand firm in protecting all organizations’ freedom to speak and operate without fear of political retribution.
Congress must reject any future attempts to undermine advocacy groups exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Arab and Muslim American organizations remain committed to working with Congress to safeguard the constitutional protections that allow all advocacy groups to serve their communities and defend civil liberties, regardless of the political landscape.
END
CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530,
[email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726,
[email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280,
[email protected]
[END]
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[1] Url:
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/muslim-arab-groups-applaud-house-rejection-of-nonprofit-killer-bill/
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