📢 Together, We Can Stand Up for Nonprofits and the Vulnerable
🗽 The movement for who we are and what we represent is happening now. 🚨 H.R. 9495 is a threat to nonprofits & the most vulnerable they serve.
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The Trojan Horse Bill
Nonprofit organizations are the lifeblood of civil society. They provide critical services, advocate for justice, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Yet, the very existence of these organizations is under threat. H.R. 9495, the Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, deceptively framed as a tool to combat terrorism, poses a grave danger to the nonprofit sector. It’s a Republican trojan horse.
This legislation would grant the Treasury Secretary unchecked power to revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status based on vague, unproven claims of connections to terrorism. Without due process or accountability, this bill opens the door to unprecedented political retaliation and suppression of dissent.
We cannot stand idly by as this legislation jeopardizes the fundamental role of nonprofits in fostering a free and fair society. We must raise our voices and urge the Senate to reject H.R. 9495. Here’s why immediate action is crucial.
A Weapon Against Political Opponents
H.R. 9495’s most insidious feature is the virtually unfettered power it gives the executive branch to target nonprofits. In the hands of a vindictive administration like Trump who promises retribution, this power could be weaponized against political opponents, critics, and organizations that challenge its policies.
President-elect Donald Trump has already demonstrated a willingness to wield government power to punish his adversaries. On the campaign trail, he repeatedly promised to retaliate against those he perceives as threats. Under this law, Trump could easily label organizations like labor unions, women’s health groups, civil rights advocates, or environmental nonprofits as supporters of terrorism to strip them of their tax-exempt status. This would undermine their financial viability and discourage donors and supporters, effectively silencing their voices.
The chilling implications of this legislation cannot be overstated. Organizations like Planned Parenthood, Amnesty International, and the NAACP have warned that H.R. 9495 could decimate their ability to serve communities and hold the government accountable. Even Rep. Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law expert, has questioned the legality of this bill, emphasizing its failure to distinguish between foreign and domestic threats.
The Broader Impact on Civil Society
Nonprofits play an essential role in addressing societal challenges. They provide disaster relief, promote education, advocate for equity, and protect the environment. This bill threatens to erode the trust and funding that sustain these organizations.
Take colleges and universities, for example. Trump has previously targeted higher education institutions for their so-called “wokeness,” threatening to strip them of endowments and impose punitive taxes. If H.R. 9495 becomes law, universities could face baseless accusations of supporting terrorism, jeopardizing student aid programs, and widening disparities in access to education. Low-income students, already struggling to afford higher education, would bear the brunt of these attacks.
Religious institutions, particularly Black churches, are also at risk. These organizations have long been pillars of social justice, literacy, and community development. With their congregants overwhelmingly voting Democratic, they could become prime targets for a Trump administration emboldened by H.R. 9495. The ripple effects would be devastating, not only for the churches themselves but for the communities they serve.
A Dangerous Precedent
Passing H.R. 9495 would set a dangerous precedent. It normalizes executive overreach and undermines the constitutional principle of due process. Today, it may target nonprofits accused of terrorism. Tomorrow, it could silence any organization that dares to challenge those in power. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is a direct threat to the democratic fabric of our nation.
The Power of Collective Action
Despite the grim prospects, there is hope. The nonprofit community has rallied against this bill, with organizations across civil liberties, reproductive health, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental advocacy standing united in opposition. Public outcry has led some Democrats to withdraw their support, proving that our voices can make a difference.
Now is the time to act. The Senate can stop this dangerous legislation and protect the nonprofit sector from partisan attacks. By flooding senators with messages of opposition, we can send a clear message: H.R. 9495 is an affront to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
Take Action Today
Your voice matters. Contact your senators and demand they reject . H.R. 9495, the Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. Encourage your friends, family, and community to do the same. Together, we can safeguard the vital role of nonprofits in our society and prevent the erosion of the freedoms we hold dear.
The stakes could not be higher. If we fail to act, H.R. 9495 will become a weapon of political vengeance, threatening the very foundations of civil society. But if we stand together, we can protect nonprofits, defend democracy, and ensure justice prevails. The time to act is now—send your message to the Senate today.
Click here to Tell the Senate to protect civil society from dangerous executive overreach. Reject the nonprofit killer bill H.R. 9495 now!
Click here to Tell Senate Democrats: Don't Help Trump Kill Nonprofits
Call your Senators at 1-202-224-3121 and demand they reject H.R. 9495, the Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (leave a message or ask to speak with staff) and register your concerns about this bill.
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Works Cited:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-to-know-about-the-house-bill-that-could-punish-nonprofits-over-alleged-terrorist-ties
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-administration-nonprofit-groups-tax-exempt-rcna181757
Publish the ERA
For a century, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has been a symbol of justice and equality, declaring, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”
Ratified by three-fourths of the states in 2020, the ERA has met all constitutional requirements to become the 28th Amendment.
President Trump ignored it, and President Joe Biden now has the opportunity to address this injustice and reaffirm his commitment to equality and the rule of law by directing National Archivist Colleen Shogun to publish the ERA.
Please take 1 (one) minute and send a quick message to President Biden and your member of Congress to publish the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). We can not stop championing equal rights!
Works Cited:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/11/29/biden-ratified-era-constitution-equal-rights-amendment/76484339007/
https://www.styleweekly.com/virginia-senators-urge-biden-to-enshrine-era-as-28th-amendment/
Office Hours: Freedom over Fascism
Billionaire-backed justices and the powerful few are working to strip away our fundamental rights and freedoms. Their goal isn’t to represent us—it’s to rule over us. Our response is clear: we must unite, expose their deceit, demand transparency and accountability from those in power, and stand firmly for independence over authoritarianism.
To support our community during these challenging times, People Power United is hosting office hours. Everyone is welcome. We are here to help our communities reclaim their power, hold leaders accountable to the will of the people, and create a future where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and given the opportunity to thrive.
An informed and engaged citizenry is the strongest defense against tyranny.
Click here for available times and signup information.
Donald Trump was elected President, but he is not a leader
When leaders escape accountability, it sends a chilling message: that power, not justice, reigns supreme. This erodes trust, destabilizes society, and paves the way for authoritarianism to take root.
History has shown us that unchecked power breeds corruption, oppression, and the silencing of voices—threatening the very freedoms we hold dear.
But we have the power to change the course of history. Now, more than ever, it’s time unite, champion people power and progress, and demand accountability and justice for all. Together, we can protect our democracy and secure a future where fairness and equality prevail. Join us and be part of a movement that demands accountability and justice for all.
More resources are coming, but today, please join our Not Above the Law Rapid Response Team and sign on to our Freedom Over Fascism pledge.
Join Us: STOP Project 2025 Training: Mobilize for Change!
Feeling anxious about the direction our country is heading? Ready to stand up for the future we deserve? Now is the time to take action! Join us for Stop Project 2025: Mobilize for Change, a powerful one-hour training hosted by People Power United as part of our bold Stop Project 2025 initiative.
This isn’t just a training—it’s a call to action. You’ll gain the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to combat an agenda that threatens to reshape our society in ways that harm our rights, freedoms, and democracy.
Together, we’ll unpack the real dangers of Project 2025 and chart a path to push back effectively. This is your chance to be part of a movement that’s standing up for justice, equality, and the values we hold dear.
Your voice matters. Your actions matter. The time to mobilize is NOW. Step into your power—sign up today and join the fight to protect our future!
Click here to join our next training: Stop Project 2025: Mobilize for Change (multiple dates and times are available)
People Power United Updates
Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:
People Power United joins coalition efforts to urge Senators to confirm all pending Judicial Nominations
People Power United joins coalition efforts to strengthen regulations under the Change in Bank Control Act (CBCA)
People Power United joins coalition efforts to urge the US Department of Education to provide student debt relief
We sent out several updates and news briefs on our newsletters:
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Additional updates can be found here.
Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
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