Sykes Votes Against Expanding Power to Strip Nonprofits of Tax-Exempt Status for Political Gain
Washington, D.C. – Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 9495.
“I have heard from countless constituents and nonprofit organizations from across the district that have expressed strong concerns that H.R. 9495 could be weaponized to strip nonprofits of tax-exempt status for political reasons. If this bill becomes law, the next presidential administration could designate any organization as ‘terrorist supporting’, since it does not include a definition of the criteria for a designation, making the current bill ripe for abuse. After many discussions with constituents, I voted against this bill to avoid unintended consequences that may arise from its passage. I do hope that the majority finds a vehicle to protect American hostages that does not also trample on the rights of organizations that dissent.”
Earlier this year, Rep. Sykes voted for a similar bill, H.R. 6408, which suspends tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations. This bill defines terrorist supporting organizations as any organization designated as having provided material support or resources to a terrorist organization in excess of a de minimus amount during the three-year period prior to its designation. H.R. 9495 does not provide an explanation of what a terrorist supporting organization is defined as, leaving the definition up to interpretation.