After failing to pass H.R. 9495 last week, a bill that would allow the Treasury Secretary to effectively shut down any non-profit organization, including news outlets, universities, and civil society groups, under a suspension of the rules, the House of Representatives will again bring it up for a vote next week. In response, Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman released the following statement:
“H.R. 9495 is a threat to free speech. It would grant the Trump administration, and any future administration, the ability to silence and censor its critics, curb free speech, target political opponents, and punish crucial organizations that speak truth to power and help people in the United States and around the world. This bill would increase the powers of the president at the expense of all of our freedoms, and could impact not only organizations like Oxfam, but other non-profits, news outlets, or even universities who dare to dissent. It could put our ability to respond to some of the worst humanitarian crises at risk and prevent us from delivering lifesaving aid to some of the world’s most marginalized people.
“This bill follows the same playbook Oxfam has seen other governments around the world use to crush dissent. Now we are seeing it here at home.
“We urge the House of Representatives to reject this dangerous bill and to protect our freedom of speech and our right to dissent.”
In September, Oxfam America joined the ACLU and a diverse group of over 130 other tax-exempt organizations — including human rights, reproductive health, and immigrants’ rights groups — in a letter to Congress urging them to vote no. The letter explains that the groups do not oppose the provisions in H.R. 9495 that relate to preventing the IRS from imposing fines and penalties on hostages while they are held abroad. It also explains that the executive branch already has provisions in place, followed by organizations like Oxfam America, that prohibits organizations from providing material support to terrorist organizations.
Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. The future is equal. Join us at oxfamamerica.org.
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