Hello IndiMarin Volunteers in CA!

Last week we wrote you and asked that you call your congressperson and ask them to oppose HR 9495. This terrible bill would grant Donald Trump unilateral power to investigate and effectively shut down any tax-exempt organization based on an accusation of wrongdoing. The legislation is opposed by over 130 groups, including ACLU, Brennan Center, Planned Parenthood, Public Citizen, AFT, NEA, LCV, CAP, Indivisible, NAACP, Reproductive Freedom for All, and National Women’s Law Center. See letter here.

Calls are still needed TODAY. See details below.

FAQ:
Why is this bill being voted on again?
Per the ACLU, the GOP first tried to move on "suspension" which is a fast track procedure that requires a 2/3 vote. The bill was defeated but now the GOP has re-introduced it through regular order which is decided through majority vote. The vote will likely be Wednesday (though there’s a chance it could be Thursday). Monday is the House Rules Committee vote which is the precursor to being able to go to the floor.

Why did so many Dems vote in support of the bill the last time?
52 Democrats voted with the Republicans including 8 in California: Reps. Costa, Harder Levin, Panetta, Schiff, Sherman, Torres and Vargas. You can see the full list at this link. There are filters to sort by state/party/vote.

Their reasoning is unclear at this point. It appears that the bill is masquerading as an anti-terror bill. While the bill would allow for a nonprofit that directly supports a terrorist organization such as Hamas to be dissolved as a nonprofit entity in the United States, the reality is that it will also give the incoming Trump administration the power to dissolve any domestic nonprofit that they do not like or that criticizes the administration, including groups such as Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, Indivisible, the Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence and numerous other organizations doing important and consequential work to help and support American citizens here in the United States. The concern is that this bill will be used by the Trump Administration to silence domestic disapproval and is a direct attack on the First Amendment.

How can I take action to stop this bill?
Driving constituent calls to these reps' offices is the most important form of lobbying. If you live in the congressional district of any of the CA members listed above, please call their office. We are encouraging ALL Californians, as soon-to-be constituents of Senator-elect Schiff to call his office.

All Californians -
Call Senator-elect Schiff's current office at (202) 225-4176 or (818) 450-2900.

Possible script or use your own words:
“My name is ______ and I live in ______, STATE.

As one of the future constituents of Senator-elect Schiff, I’m calling to express my disappointment in his YES vote last week on H.R. 9495 and to ask that him to change his vote when it comes up again this week to NO. While masquerading as an anti-terror bill, it would allow the Treasury Secretary to strip domestic non-profit organizations of their tax-exempt status without due process — it would stifle dissent and the political speech of non-profits. Please oppose this bill and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Thank you for your time.”

For constituents of all the others listed above OR if you volunteered to help elect them.
Call (202) 224-3121 to reach the Congressional switchboard and ask to speak to your representative. Once you’re connected, here’s what you could say:

Possible script or use your own words:
“My name is ______ and I live in ______, STATE.

I’m calling to express my disappointment in Congressman ___________'s YES vote last week on H.R. 9495 and to ask that they change their vote when it comes up again this week to NO. While masquerading as an anti-terror bill, it would allow the Treasury Secretary to strip domestic non-profit organizations of their tax-exempt status without due process — it would stifle dissent and the political speech of non-profits. Please oppose this bill and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Thank you for your time.”

Thanks for taking action to protect our democracy and our freedoms!

The IndiMarin Steering Committee - Susan, Betsy, Laurie, Joy, Andie, Nanda and Betty