Steny H. Hoyer
11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 11:28
Hoyer Statement on H.R. 9495
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting against H.R. 9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act:
"I support H.R. 9495's objective to stop non-profit organizations from materially benefitting terrorist organizations that threaten America and freedom and democracy internationally. I voted against the legislation, however, because its legislative language would grant broad power to the president and his administration to punish organizations, even when they do not have legitimate ties to terrorists, without sufficient transparency or proper due process.
"There is legitimate reason in today's world to expand the Treasury Secretary's ability to police non-profits supporting terrorist organizations. This bill's drafting, unfortunately, goes further. After careful review, I believe additional protections are necessary for this bill to shield non-profits with no connection to terrorism from politically motivated punishment. Those protections are especially crucial in light of President-elect Trump's list of 'enemies from within,' his nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, and his self-described politics of 'revenge.'
"I am hopeful that Democrats and Republicans can work together on alternative text that addresses this issue without undermining the rule of law."
"I support H.R. 9495's objective to stop non-profit organizations from materially benefitting terrorist organizations that threaten America and freedom and democracy internationally. I voted against the legislation, however, because its legislative language would grant broad power to the president and his administration to punish organizations, even when they do not have legitimate ties to terrorists, without sufficient transparency or proper due process.
"There is legitimate reason in today's world to expand the Treasury Secretary's ability to police non-profits supporting terrorist organizations. This bill's drafting, unfortunately, goes further. After careful review, I believe additional protections are necessary for this bill to shield non-profits with no connection to terrorism from politically motivated punishment. Those protections are especially crucial in light of President-elect Trump's list of 'enemies from within,' his nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, and his self-described politics of 'revenge.'
"I am hopeful that Democrats and Republicans can work together on alternative text that addresses this issue without undermining the rule of law."