Reform Movement Convenes More Than 50 Jewish Groups in Opposition to Threat to Non Profits

May 16, 2025 - 

Dear Member of Congress,

On behalf of the undersigned Jewish organizations from across the United States, we write to express our strong opposition to a provision within the tax bill passed by the House Ways and Means committee that would allow the Treasury Secretary unilateral authority to designate an American non-profit a "terrorist supporting organization" and to revoke its tax-exempt status.  The text mirrors that of last year’s legislation, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (H.R. 9495), which we also opposed.

Rather than enhancing the country's safety, the provision threatens to politicize decisions that should be made neutrally and deliberatively. As a Jewish community, we have experienced the harms caused by those who foment hate and terror. That is why we appreciate that there already exists a sound process to address such instances as laid out in Article 18 Section 2339 of the U.S. Code. In contrast to the proposed provision, the current process is less susceptible to political interference or the chilling effect on speech and activity. No individual, including a Treasury Secretary, should be given nearly unfettered power to remove an organization's tax-exempt status.

We urge you to seek solutions that make the nation safer, instead of advancing those that threaten constitutional rights. Please support any effort in your chamber to strike language vesting unilateral authority over non-profits’ tax exempt status with the Treasury Secretary or any other individual.

Sincerely,