Standing Firmly Against H.R. 9495
The Greater New Orleans Funders Network (GNOFN) unequivocally opposes H.R. 9495, the so-called “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” and urges Louisiana lawmakers to reject this dangerous legislation.
While cloaked in the language of national security, this bill would grant unprecedented and unchecked power to the Secretary of the Treasury to target nonprofit organizations under the guise of combating terrorism—silencing civil society, undermining free speech, and threatening the vital work of organizations serving our communities.
At GNOFN, our mission is to foster equity and justice in Southeast Louisiana by mobilizing philanthropic resources to drive systemic change. Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of this work. They provide essential services, amplify community voices, and challenge inequities that harm our neighbors. This bill’s broad and ambiguous language would place these organizations at risk of politically motivated retribution, jeopardizing their ability to operate and eroding public trust in philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.
GNOFN stands firm in its commitment to equity and justice. We call on lawmakers to protect the essential role of nonprofit organizations in strengthening our communities, promoting democracy, and holding power accountable.
We urge Louisiana legislators to reject H.R. 9495 and instead prioritize policies that uplift, rather than endanger, civil society.
Signed,
Greater New Orleans Funders Network
