ALERT: HR 9495 Threatens Non-profits, Free Speech, & Civil Rights

Rather than blocking this bill, 50+ House Dems trying to make it law—here's how we can work to stop them

This week Thursday the House will vote on HR 9495, again. This bill is a perfect example of why I constantly implore everyone to never be blinded by partisan politics, and always be ready to speak up for justice, even against your own party.

Last week, 50 House Democrats voted in favor of HR 9495, a dangerous bill that threatens the very foundation of nonprofit advocacy and free speech in this country. While the bill failed to pass under fast-tracked procedures requiring a two-thirds majority, Republicans are determined to bring it back for a simple majority vote. This time, they might succeed unless we act now. Why is HR 9495 so dangerous and what can we do to prevent its passage? Let’s Address This.

VIEWpress/Corbis via Getty Images

What Is HR 9495?

HR 9495 allows the government (in this case Donald Trump and his allies) to arbitrarily accuse nonprofits of “supporting terrorism” and strip them of their tax-exempt status based on vague and broad allegations—without meaningful oversight or due process. This opens the door to silencing organizations critical of government policies, from foreign policy to environmental justice, criminal justice reform, immigration, and beyond.

A Chilling Effect on Advocacy

Trump has spoken extensively about his desire to “protect free speech from leftist suppression.” Given the fact that every MAGA accusation is a confession, it is no surprise that HR 9495 is the antithesis of free speech. For example, imagine a racial justice org shut down because a potential AG Matt Gaetz thinks Black Lives Matter is a domestic terrorist organization? This isn’t far fetched, given that Gaetz has previously compared BLM to the Confederacy.

Or imagine a racist Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee who believes “Palestinians don’t exist,” and therefore any non-profit working to fund medical care for Palestinians suffering genocide, must be a terrorist organization and therefore abolished? This is again not far fetched, given that literally, Huckabee does not believe Palestinians exist, and given the right wing’s already successful efforts to ban UNRWA funding.

Let’s say a voting rights group exists to expand voter access. Donald Trump and his Republican minions decide, “that’s terrorism,” and shut down the voting rights org. Similar groups see this consequence and reduce their advocacy, avoid controversial topics, or scale back operations to avoid risking their own status. And without formal accusations, the mere threat of being targeted could lead to widespread self-censorship. Suddenly, non-profits are neutered in their ability to effectuate change.

Now imagine the only non-profits allowed to function are those with whom a MAGA administration agrees? Right wing religious organizations, anti-choice organizations, openly white supremacist orgs — all functioning with executive protection.

But sadly, even that isn’t where the damage stops. HR 9495 will become a tool for authoritarian abuse that goes beyond censoring nonprofits. Once the authority to label organizations as “terrorist supporters” is granted, there’s nothing stopping future administrations—whether Trump, Vance, or others—from weaponizing it against ideological opponents. Imagine a world where dissenting voices—journalists, faith-based groups, or activists—are silenced or marginalized by a simple accusation, all without due process. That’s the path HR 9495 opens, that’s why it’s a direct threat to democracy, and that’s why we must implore Democrats to stand united against this fascist overreach.

Why We Must Act Now

The reality is that this is not hypothetical—it is exactly what we would expect out of a would be ‘Dictator on Day 1.’ That is why it is so much more devastating to see more than 50 Democrats vote in favor of HR 9495 (You can see who they are here). While the GOP is leading this charge, the complicity of dozens of Democrats cannot be ignored. The GOP is bringing HR 9495 back for a vote, confident it can pass under regular procedures requiring only a simple majority. We must activate and organize to prevent its passage.

What You Can Do

We cannot afford to be silent. Here’s how you can help stop HR 9495:

1. Raise Awareness

Share this article with your networks. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the dangers of HR 9495. Use your platforms—social media, community groups, or local organizations—to spread the word about this attack on civil rights and free speech.

2. Contact Your Representative

Call, email, or write to your U.S. Representative and tell them to vote NO on HR 9495. You can find your representative and their contact info here. If your representative is a Democrat who supported this bill, demand accountability. Remind them that supporting HR 9495 goes against the principles of democracy and justice they claim to uphold. Share with them the Civil Society letter sent to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries imploring them to kill HR 9495.

Use the House Clerk’s roll call to see how your representative voted. If they voted yes, let them know you’re watching and will hold them accountable if they vote yes again.

3. Peacefully Protest

Organize or join peaceful protests to ensure our rights are protected. Public demonstrations have always been a powerful tool for holding elected officials accountable and showing that the people will not tolerate attacks on their freedoms.

The Fight for Justice Requires Action

HR 9495 is more than a bill—it’s a blueprint for authoritarian overreach. As the non-profit non-partisan Interfaith Alliance warns:

The bill paves the way for future abuses of power. Once this authority is granted, there’s nothing stopping future administrations from expanding its use, potentially targeting organizations that don’t align with their political views or ideological agenda. The ability to label an organization as a “terrorist supporter” without due process opens up a dangerous path where any dissenting voice could be silenced or marginalized. This legislation is not just a minor legal change—it’s a dangerous attack on civil society and democratic values. H.R. 9495 shows a blatant disregard for free speech, due process, and the fundamental rights that allow us to live in a democracy.

Let’s stop HR 9495 before it’s too late. Together, we can protect the freedoms that underpin our society. Call your representatives. Share this article. Protest peacefully. And above all, refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.