ACTION ALERT: Oppose the “Nonprofit Killer” provision in the budget reconciliation package
Call on your Representatives and Senators to oppose the inclusion of a provision in the budget reconciliation package that would embolden the current administration to dismantle tax-exempt organizations they disagree with.
The House Ways and Means Committee has approved the tax bill, including a section that would enable the Secretary of the Treasury to label any nonprofit as a “terrorist-supporting organization” and strip it of its tax-exempt status. The General Board of Church and Society calls on United Methodists to oppose this.
This would grant the administration unilateral power to investigate any nonprofit and strip them of tax-exempt status based on a unilateral accusation of wrongdoing. If passed, this provision would gift the Executive Branch broad new powers that could be easily used to suppress and punish those they disagree with. The chilling effects would be immense and would affect any organization with tax-exempt status that criticizes government policies.
In the last Congress (118th), this bill (HR 9495) passed the House of Representatives but was never brought up for a vote in the Senate. We need to stop this from becoming law in this Congress (119th).
The United Methodist Church, as an institution whose mission it is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, could be a target if this legislation were to pass. The legislation, with broad, vague language, is an open invitation for abuse and part of a broader assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the right to protest.
As United Methodists, we will not waver in our commitments to human rights, civil liberties, peace, and social justice. This legislation would jeopardize our continued work. Take action below by calling on your lawmakers to oppose the inclusion of this provision in the final budget package.
