Nonprofits criticize NV lawmakers over controversial vote

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West Juhl Director of Communications and Campaigns | ACLU of Nevada Website

The United States House of Representatives recently passed House Resolution 9495 with a narrow margin of 219 to 184. The resolution has sparked significant concern among nonprofit organizations due to its potential impact on civil society and free speech. Critics argue that the measure's vague language and lack of due process protections could lead to political abuse, suppressing dissent and punishing political opponents.

In Nevada, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) voted in favor of the legislation, drawing criticism from various local organizations. These groups had previously warned about the dangers posed by the bill through a letter sent to Congresswoman Lee's office.

Athar Haseebullah, Executive Director of ACLU of Nevada, expressed disappointment over Congresswoman Lee’s support for the bill: “The ACLU of Nevada is grateful for Congressman Horsford and Congresswoman Titus’ ‘no’ vote on H.R. 9495, but we are beyond disappointed by Congresswoman Lee’s ‘yes’ vote on this bill."

Emily Persaud-Zamora from Silver State Voices highlighted the potential threat to their voter education work: “House Resolution 9495 undermines the critical work nonprofits across the state do to serve all Nevadans.”

Shelbie Swartz from the Institute for a Progressive Nevada criticized both representatives for supporting what she described as a dangerous precedent: "This bill creates a dangerous precedent by concentrating unchecked power in the executive branch’s hands."

Kerry Durmick from All Voting is Local Nevada also voiced concerns about executive overreach: “House Resolution 9495 provides the executive branch with an overreach of power to target nonprofit organizations.”

Laura Martin from Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada condemned HR9495's potential impact on non-profits: "H.R. 9495 will give unprecedented power to the executive branch to target, defame, and terminate non-profits it sees as ‘political opponents.’"

André C. Wade from Silver State Equality pointed out risks associated with arbitrary revocation of tax-exempt status: "If H.R. 9495 is enacted, the potential for abuse is immense."

Kristee Watson from Nevada Conservation League emphasized her disappointment in Representatives Amodei and Lee: "We are discouraged that Congressman Amodei and Congresswoman Susie Lee voted in support of HR9495."

Leo Murrieta from Make the Road Nevada stressed his commitment to opposing this measure: “Make the Road Nevada will not stand idly by while our communities are put at risk.”

William Moore from Mi Familia Vota called for Senate opposition against HR9495: "We denounce this bill, and call on our allies in the Senate to vote against it."

Mathilda Miller from Native Voters Alliance Nevada criticized how HR9495 jeopardizes Indigenous rights advocacy: “HR9495 is a direct assault on Nevada’s 28 federally recognized Tribal Nations.”

Lindsey Harmon from Planned Parenthood Affiliates' Education Fund warned about government weaponization risks under HR9495: "With an incoming administration that has promised to go after anyone that disagrees with its policies or practices...this opens door further weaponization government against its own people."

House Resolution 9495 grants extensive powers allowing unilateral accusations against tax-exempt organizations without transparency or appropriate due process—sparking widespread condemnation among affected groups nationwide.

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