WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of recent revelations about the connections between American tax-exempt charities and terrorism, the Ways and Means Committee has taken action to combat this issue. During a hearing in November, witness testimony exposed the alarming links between these charities and terrorist organizations. The Committee delved into the history of U.S. tax-exempt groups financing terror, including the Holy Land Foundation, which funneled $12.4 million from Americans to fund Hamas before being shut down by the U.S. government in the early 2000s. Shockingly, the Committee discovered other groups currently operating in plain sight in America, led by many of the same individuals involved with the Holy Land Foundation.
To address this serious concern and ensure that taxpayers are not inadvertently supporting terrorism, the Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved legislation last week. H.R. 6408, introduced by Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08) and Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), aims to revoke the tax-exempt status of American entities found to be supporting terrorist organizations. This legislation is a crucial step in dismantling the financing networks that enable these organizations to carry out their heinous acts.
Several prominent groups have publicly expressed their support for this legislation, recognizing its importance in combating the funding of terrorism. FDD Action, Middle East Forum, Anti-Defamation League, and the Coalition for Jewish Values are among those backing H.R. 6408. Their endorsement reflects the widespread acknowledgment of the need to address this issue urgently.
The Ways and Means Committee's move to approve this legislation demonstrates a united front in the fight against terrorism. By targeting the financial support networks of these organizations, the committee aims to cut off their access to funds and disrupt their operations. This proactive approach will not only protect the American taxpayers but also contribute to global efforts to combat terrorism.
In response to the legislation, FDD Action stated, "We applaud the Ways and Means Committee for taking decisive action to combat the financing of terrorism. This legislation is a crucial step in ensuring that American tax-exempt organizations are not inadvertently supporting terrorist activities."
The Middle East Forum also voiced its support, emphasizing the significance of this legislation. "By revoking the tax-exempt status of entities involved in funding terrorism, the Ways and Means Committee is sending a strong message that the United States will not tolerate the misuse of charitable funds for violent purposes," they stated.
The Anti-Defamation League, a leading organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, echoed these sentiments, noting, "This legislation is a necessary measure to prevent tax breaks from being exploited by those who seek to fund acts of terror. We fully support the Ways and Means Committee's efforts to address this critical issue."
The Coalition for Jewish Values, representing a broad spectrum of Jewish leaders and organizations, expressed its endorsement of the legislation, highlighting the need to protect charitable funds from being misused. "The revocation of tax-exempt status for entities supporting terrorist organizations is a vital step in safeguarding the integrity of our charitable system and preventing funds from falling into the wrong hands," they stated.
With the support of these influential groups, H.R. 6408 now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives. If passed, this legislation will serve as a powerful tool in the fight against terrorism, ensuring that American tax-exempt organizations are not inadvertently aiding these dangerous groups. By revoking the tax-exempt status of entities found to be supporting terrorism, the Ways and Means Committee is sending a clear message that the United States will not tolerate the financing of terrorism on its soil.
Click this link to access more information: https://waysandmeans.house.gov/what-they-are-saying-ways-and-means-tax-exempt-charity-legislation-will-combat-tax-breaks-for-terrorism/
