Should the government postpone tax deadlines for Americans wrongfully detained abroad and remove organizations' tax-exempt status?
H.R. 9495 aims to support U.S. nationals wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad by postponing tax deadlines and reimbursing late fees incurred during detention. Additionally, the bill seeks to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations. Sponsor: Rep. Claudia Tenney (Republican, New York, District 24)
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Opponents say
• "The American Civil Liberties Union strongly urges the House of Representatives to vote NO on H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which would grant Donald Trump and his handpicked secretary of the Treasury power to investigate and effectively shut down any tax-exempt organization — including news outlets, universities, and civil society groups — by stripping them of tax-exempt status based on an unilateral accusation of wrongdoing. “Passing this bill would hand the incoming Trump administration a dangerous new tool it could use to stifle free speech, target political opponents, and punish disfavored groups,” said Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel at ACLU. “The freedom to dissent without fear of government retribution is a vital part of any well-functioning democracy, which is why Congress must block H.R. 9495 before it’s too late." Source: American Civil Liberties Union
Proponents say
• "Congress and the American people should not and will not tolerate domestic nonprofits taking advantage of the U.S. tax code to finance terrorism and extremism. The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act will revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization deemed to have provided material support or resources to a designated terrorist group. Additionally, this legislation will address an unacceptable flaw currently in the tax code that penalizes American citizens who have been wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. Right now, there are numerous American hostages being held captive in Gaza, Iran, Russia, and China. It is our responsibility to bring these Americans home and ensure that they do not have to deal with IRS bureaucracy upon their return." Source: Rep. David Kustoff (Republican, Tennessee, District 8)
- Kustoff Bill, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, Passes Ways and Means Committee (PR)
- H.R. 9495 Cost Estimate (Congressional Budget Office)
- ACLU Cheers House Vote Blocking H.R. 9495 (ACLU)
- Floor Debate on the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (House Committee on Ways and Means)
- Rep. Claudia Tenney’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
