Stop S.1436! Do Not Allow Trump to Criminalize Dissent
QUICK READ: While penned to dismantle pro-Palestinian rights organizations, S.1436, the Senate version of HR.9495, would give the Treasury Secretary unilateral power to strip a nonprofit’s tax exempt status merely by declaring it “a terrorist supporting organization”--with no proof, no burden of evidence, and no due process. We must hold Majority Leader Schumer to his commitment not to allow a Senate vote on S.1436 during the lame duck session.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
HR.9495 passed the House 219-184 on Nov. 21, with 15 Democrats voting “yes.” While penned to dismantle pro-Palestinian rights organizations, this legislation gives the Treasury Secretary unilateral power to strip a non-profit’s tax exempt status merely by declaring it “a terrorist supporting organization”--with no proof, no burden of evidence, and no due process.
It could be used to dismantle every nonprofit doing charitable, community, human rights, and humanitarian work, from the smallest student groups to nonprofit behemoths like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and to shut down independent newsrooms, advocacy groups, hospitals, and countless other social and political organizations Trump dislikes.
Its passage alone would have a widespread chilling effect on both nonprofits and the millions who rely on them to engage in the political process and access crucial services.
Given Trump’s oft-stated desire for retribution against his perceived enemies, only the Senate can prevent him from using it to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits—including news outlets, universities, and civil liberties organizations.
For these reasons, we are calling on our Senators to both thank Majority Leader Schumer for not bringing S.1436 up for a vote and demand that he remain steadfast in his commitment to kill it.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
S.1436 is an attack on civil society and the freedom to dissent. I urge you to hold Sen. Majority Leader Schumer to his commitment to kill this legislation and to impress on your colleagues the necessity of voting against such legislation should it be brought up again in the next Congress.
SEN. WYDEN:
Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
S.1436 is an attack on civil society and the freedom to dissent. I urge you to hold Sen. Majority Leader Schumer to his commitment to kill this legislation and to impress on your colleagues the necessity of voting against such legislation should it be brought up again in the next Congress.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
I am furious that Trump wants the Senate to abdicate its advise-and-consent power so he can appoint incompetent, unqualified, and dangerous nominees, who will destroy the agencies they’re supposed to lead, to serve in his administration, and I expect you to oppose it. Especially for his most wildly unqualified nominees, like Kash Patel, Pete Hegseth, RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Linda McMahon, hearings and a “no” vote are absolutely necessary. As your constituent, I expect you to protect me from these awful nominees.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Thank you for voting against HR.9495, which Trump could have used to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits. Please commit to voting against such a law should it be reintroduced in the next Congress.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
As your constituent, I was aghast that you voted for HR.9495, which Trump could have used to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits. Should such a law be reintroduced in the next Congress, I demand that you protect your constituents’ interests by voting “no.”
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Thank you for voting against HR.9495, which Trump could have used to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits.
Script for Val Hoyle (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Thank you for voting against HR.9495, which Trump could have used to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits. Please commit to voting against such a law should it be reintroduced in the next Congress.
SCRIPT FOR LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
As your constituent, I was aghast that you voted for HR.9495, which Trump could have used to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits. Thankfully, your defeat this November prevents you from further imperiling nonprofits and helping to criminalize dissent.
Script for Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
Salem office: 503-385-0906 | DC office: 202-225-5643
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Thank you for voting against HR.9495, which Trump could have used to stifle dissent, persecute political enemies, and effectively dismantle nonprofits. Please commit to voting against such a law should it be reintroduced in the next Congress.
ACTION THREE: Good Trouble.
Below is an opportunity to fight for our democracy. As John Lewis said, go make some “good trouble.”
Vote Equality US is pushing President Biden to publish the ERA before his term ends through a postcard drive on December 10. Use a postcard of your choice and write a message along the following lines(the message is flexible as long as you mention publishing the ERA; for talking point click on Vote Equality US):
Dear President Biden,
Please instruct the Archivist to publish the fully ratified 28th Amendment - the Equal Rights Amendment - and protect the rights of women and LGBTQ Americans!
Thank you,
Full name, city, state
Address to: President Biden, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20500 Set a reminder to mail on December 10.
FURTHER READING
Democrats Must Do Everything They Can to Block the Dangerous Nonprofit Bill | The Nation
HR 9495: Bill Threatening Nonprofits Passes House - Non Profit News
Urgent Action Alert: Oppose H.R. 9495 to Protect Nonprofits
H.R. 9495 ALERT: The Fight Isn't Over - Nonprofit Association of Washington
Congress: Protect The Right to Dissent | American Civil Liberties Union
