The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed House Resolution 9495, with a vote count of 219 to 184. The bill has sparked significant concern among nonprofit organizations in Nevada due to its potential impact on civil society and free speech.
Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) were among those who voted in favor of the legislation, despite receiving warnings from local organizations about its implications. Athar Haseebullah, Executive Director of ACLU of Nevada, criticized Congresswoman Lee's decision, stating that her vote "empowers Donald Trump’s hand-picked head of the Treasury Department to revoke organizations’ nonprofit statuses in an arbitrary fashion."
Emily Persaud-Zamora from Silver State Voices expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the resolution "undermines the critical work nonprofits across the state do to serve all Nevadans." Shelbie Swartz from the Institute for a Progressive Nevada echoed these concerns, warning that HR9495 could be used as a partisan tool by the incoming administration.
Kerry Durmick of All Voting is Local Nevada highlighted how this bill threatens their efforts to protect voting rights. Laura Martin from the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada warned that HR9495 could lead to a situation reminiscent of McCarthyism.
André C. Wade from Silver State Equality pointed out that the bill allows for nonprofits' tax-exempt status to be stripped without due process. Kristee Watson from Nevada Conservation League noted that HR9495 grants unprecedented power to silence nonprofits at a time when political tensions are high.
Leo Murrieta from Make the Road Nevada emphasized their commitment to holding elected officials accountable while urging senators to oppose the measure. William Moore from Mi Familia Vota Nevada denounced the bill for threatening democracy's foundation.
Mathilda Miller from Native Voters Alliance Nevada called HR9495 an assault on Indigenous communities, criticizing Representatives Lee and Amodei for their votes. Lindsey Harmon from Planned Parenthood Affiliates expressed concern over potential weaponization against reproductive health care providers.
Nonprofit leaders are urging Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen to oppose HR9495 as it moves forward in Congress.