FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2024
Contact: Heather Cabral, hcabral@faithinaction.org, 202-550-6880
Romelo Wilson, rwilson@westendstrategy.com, 404-821-0572
Faith in Action denounces H.R. 9495 as an attack on fundamental freedoms and urges Congress to reject this harmful legislation
WASHINGTON – Faith and social justice leaders nationwide are calling on members of Congress to reject H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. Leaders with Faith in Action, the largest faith-based grassroots organizing network, are raising concerns about the bill, which they say is an attempt to silence advocacy and free speech, particularly for organizations that support Palestine.
H.R. 9495, initially blocked on the House floor, is now being brought back to the floor for another vote by Majority Leader Steve Scalise. In statements, the leaders from Faith in Action warn the legislation threatens not only the financial stability of nonprofits but also the foundational rights to free speech and association guaranteed by the Constitution.
Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of Faith in Action said: “This bill would be a dangerous step toward silencing the voices of many of us fighting for justice and human dignity. Faith communities have always been at the forefront of standing with the oppressed, and we will not stand by while legislation like H.R. 9495 threatens our ability to advocate for what is right. Congress must act decisively to protect our constitutional rights and reject this harmful proposal.”
The Rev. Nicole Barnes, civic engagement director of Faith in Action said: “This bill is a direct attack on the civic engagement of communities that rely on nonprofits to amplify their voices. Organizations like ours and many of our allies have empowered marginalized populations to participate in our democracy and demand accountability for decades. This legislation is dangerous and seeks to dismantle that power.”
The Rev. Deth Im, faith leadership director of Faith in Action: “As people of faith, we are called to speak truth to power and stand with the most vulnerable among us. This bill seeks to dismantle our collective ability to carry out this sacred work. This is not just bad policy—it is a moral failing. We urge Congress to reject this legislation as it attempts to oppose justice, compassion and equity.”
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Faith in Action is the largest grassroots, global faith-based organizing network. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations as well as in Haiti, Central America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
