Statement On Passage of H.R. 9495

We at Brooklyn Org are deeply concerned that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (H.R. 9495), which would seriously harm Brooklyn nonprofits if it were to become law.

Nonprofits serving communities harmed by centuries of discriminatory and exclusionary policies could be designated under H.R. 9495 as “terrorist supporting organizations” at the sole discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury. This would give the executive branch chilling power to stifle dissent and to silence opponents and those who simply hold different beliefs. All of this could be done without the due process protections that are a core founding principle of our country. Even organizations that succeed in overturning a wrongful designation would be crushed financially and suffer irreparable reputational harm.

Ultimately, H.R. 9495 would end up harming the communities served by Brooklyn’s incredible nonprofits. Brooklyn Org was founded to build a stronger, more prosperous future for all. We will continue to stand up for our nonprofit community and advocate for sensible policies that move that mission forward.