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. 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 ALL members of Congress is the most impactful form of lobbying. Please check this list to see how your Representative in Congress voted. There are filters to sort by state/party/vote. If your Representative voted in favor of the bill last week, please call their office ASAP.
Call (202) 224-3121 to reach the Congressional switchboard and ask to speak to your representative.
Possible script or use your own words:
“My name is ______ and I live in ______, STATE.
I’m calling to express my disappointment in Congressperson ___________'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. 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
WHO WE ARE
Indivisible Marin is a community of over 10,000 volunteers around the country committed to taking action to create a more just, caring and inclusive America. Many of our events and actions are virtual and we welcome volunteers from all locations! In off-election years, we focus on advocacy with elected officials and other influential leaders to promote a government that functions by and for the people. In election years, we focus on helping elect Democrats to both chambers of Congress, as well as the White House. At IndiMarin, we are committed to offering personalized support to both new and experienced volunteers and to building a fun spirit of community.
If this email has been forwarded to you, please visit our website to learn more and get involved and please join us to be added to our mailing list and kept apprised of ways to take action toward our mission! You can also email us with any questions at info@indivisiblemarin.org.
