WASHINGTON, DC. – On November 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.” This controversial bill would grant the Secretary of the Treasury sweeping powers to revoke the tax-exempt status of nonprofits based solely on a subjective determination that they are “terrorist-supporting” organizations.

The final vote was 219-184, with the measure receiving strong support from Republicans and 15 Democrats who broke with their caucus to vote in favor. The bill now advances from the Republican-controlled House to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

Crushing Colonialism, an Indigenous-led organization based in the so-called United States, has expressed deep concern over the bill’s passage, warning that it poses a serious threat to freedom of speech and the critical work of organizations that document human rights abuses, as we do. 

“This is yet another attempt to chill free speech, freedom of the press, as well as to further quiet, oppress, and marginalize communities that are already minoritized”, said Jen Deerinwater, Founding Executive Director of Crushing Colonialism.

This law jeopardizes numerous Indigenous, arts, and other organizations addressing the social needs of misrepresented peoples. Organizations like Crushing Colonialism have been working tirelessly to combat the offenses committed by U.S. politics, striving to uplift and create viable conditions for Indigenous individuals, including queer and multiply-disabled, to thrive. We must stand strong to protect the work we have been doing together and overcome the harms constantly imposed on our efforts to serve our peoples and cultures.

Crushing Colonialism stands with hundreds of civil society organizations in opposing H.R. 9495 and urges members of the Senate to recognize the risks it poses. The organization calls on senators to take a stand against advancing this harmful legislation.

Your support helps us continue our work to defend Indigenous voices and protect civil society. Donate here: https://crushingcolonialism.org/donate/