January 2, 2025
Cyclone in Mayotte: Doctors of the World Emergency response
Doctors of the World strongly opposes H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. This bill, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, threatens the core principles of humanitarian work and poses a grave danger to nonprofits, particularly those operating in politically sensitive regions like Gaza and Lebanon. If enacted, it would empower the Secretary of the Treasury to unilaterally strip nonprofits of their tax-exempt status under the guise of combating terrorism, without transparent evidence or due process. This unprecedented authority risks silencing humanitarian organizations, leaving vulnerable populations without essential aid and suppressing advocacy on critical issues.
A Dangerous Precedent for Organizations Delivering Humanitarian Aid
H.R. 9495 undermines the constitutional principles of due process by allowing nonprofits to be designated as “terrorism-supporting organizations” based on unsubstantiated claims. Organizations would have only 90 days to refute accusations—a near-impossible burden for groups operating under challenging conditions. This chilling effect is particularly concerning for NGOs working in conflict zones, where allegations of “material support” for terrorism are often weaponized against those providing impartial aid to all sides of a conflict.
Doctors of the World is deeply troubled by the potential harm this legislation could inflict on the vulnerable populations served by non profit organizations and the innocent civilians who carry out organizations’ missions. In Gaza, Lebanon, and other high-need regions, humanitarian organizations provide life-saving medical care and basic necessities. If these organizations are unjustly targeted, the resulting funding cuts and reputational damage could lead to a “death spiral,” leaving countless individuals without critical support. The stigmatization of aid work as terrorism-related not only endangers NGOs and their staff, as well as the very lives of those they serve.
An Assault on Free Speech and Advocacy
H.R. 9495 also jeopardizes the ability of nonprofits to advocate for the marginalized communities they serve. The bill risks being wielded as a political weapon, with its vague criteria enabling administrations to suppress dissent and punish perceived political adversaries. Under this framework, groups advocating for human rights, criticizing U.S. foreign policy, or highlighting systemic injustices could face devastating consequences.
The American Civil Liberties Union, NAACP, and Greenpeace have already expressed grave concerns about the bill’s potential to curb free speech and censor nonprofit media. Doctors of the World echoes these warnings, emphasizing that the power to designate organizations as terror-linked without full evidence sets a dangerous precedent that could discourage necessary critiques of government policies.
The Global Implications
Humanitarian organizations, like Doctors of the World, often navigate complex political landscapes to provide neutral, impartial aid. The passage of H.R. 9495 risks further politicizing humanitarian efforts and could deter NGOs from engaging in high-risk areas for fear of being labeled as terror supporters. This legislative power grab has global ramifications, as it could encourage other governments to adopt similar measures, restricting humanitarian access in regions that need it most.
Call to Action
Doctors of the World calls on the U.S. Senate to reject H.R. 9495 and urges all stakeholders to protect the vital principle of neutrality in humanitarian work. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our peers in the nonprofit sector, firmly believing that aid should never be turned into a political weapon, and voices of dissent must remain free to speak out. Millions of vulnerable people rely on our ability to provide support without fear of baseless retaliation. This bill doesn’t just endanger humanitarian organizations—it threatens the basic human rights of countless individuals. It’s time to stand up for compassion, justice, and reason over fear and oppression.