In a shocking display of political opportunism and disregard for democratic principles, three New Jersey Democrats in Congress—including one who wants his party’s nomination for governor— voted with most Republicans in favor of the draconian bill that threatens the very foundation of free speech, dissent, and nonprofit advocacy in the United States.
Dubbed the “nonprofit killer” by its opponents, this legislation, H.R. 9495, would hand unprecedented power to the executive branch, enabling the Treasury Secretary to unilaterally strip tax-exempt status from organizations deemed to support “terrorism” — with little to no evidence required.
This assault on civil liberties could turn the machinery of the state into a weapon of political persecution.
Any nonprofit — from humanitarian organizations to news outlets, universities, and advocacy groups — could find itself dismantled for daring to criticize the administration in power.
Alarmingly, this includes organizations advocating for Palestinian rights, Arab and Muslim advocacy groups, and other voices often unfairly targeted under the guise of national security.
Among New Jersey’s House delegation, several Democrats joined hands with their Republican counterparts to push this dangerous bill forward:
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer: A predictable yet deeply troubling “Yea” from a lawmaker infamous for aligning with pro-Israel lobbying groups at the expense of civil liberties.
- Rep. Donald Norcross: Another Democrat whose vote raises serious questions about his commitment to protecting fundamental rights.
- Rep. Frank Pallone: As a senior Democrat, Pallone’s support for this authoritarian legislation is both surprising and deeply disappointing.
These lawmakers must be held accountable for siding with a bill that undermines the freedoms they swore to protect. Their votes are a direct affront to the Constitution, and their constituents deserve answers.
Rights groups such as the ACLU, Oxfam America, and over 150 other organizations have been vocal in their opposition to H.R. 9495, warning that it would empower the government to silence dissent and crush organizations that challenge the administration’s narrative.
“This bill would grant unchecked power to presidents, turning political dissent into a dangerous liability,” said Robert S. McCaw of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). “It’s not just Arab and Muslim groups at risk—this bill targets all who dare to dissent.”
It is disheartening to see Democratic lawmakers enabling legislation reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
Gottheimer, Norcross, and Pallone joined the majority of Republicans whose votes reveal a troubling willingness to sacrifice constitutional principles for political expediency.
Meanwhile, their colleagues—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Mikie Sherrill, Robert Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver—stood firm, voting against this dangerous bill.
“The freedom to dissent without fear of government retribution is a vital part of any well-functioning democracy, and now is not the time to grant the executive branch new powers to investigate and functionally shut down and silence its critics,” said said Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel at ACLU. “Tonight enough members of the House voted to block giving the executive branch new broad and easily abused powers.”
“H.R. 9495 is a threat to free speech,” said Oxfam America President Abby Maxman. “It would grant the Trump administration, and any future administration, the ability to silence and censor its critics, curb free speech, target political opponents, and punish crucial organizations that speak truth to power and help people in the United States and around the world.”
“This bill would increase the powers of the president at the expense of all of our freedoms, and could impact not only organizations like Oxfam, but other non-profits, news outlets, or even universities who dare to dissent,” said Maxman. “It could put our ability to respond to some of the worst humanitarian crises at risk and prevent us from delivering lifesaving aid to some of the world’s most marginalized people.”
New Jersey Democrat Lisa McCormick said citizens must take a stand.
“Constituents should demand explanations from Gottheimer, Norcross, and Pallone, whose vote for silencing freedom of speech is like handing a weapon to a president who promised to rule live a dictator,” said McCormick. “Only vigilant Americans can ensure that such betrayals do not go unnoticed in future elections. Organizations, activists, and voters must work together to block this legislation from advancing further but to safeguard the fundamental rights that underpin our democracy, we must fire the Vichy Democrats who want to give more power to Trump.”
The fight for freedom of speech is not just about protecting nonprofits; it’s about preserving the soul of our nation. If lawmakers continue down this path, they risk enabling a future where dissent is not just discouraged but criminalized. This cannot stand.