Bill could strip tax exemptions from nonprofits accused of supporting terrorism [Video]

A bill in Congress would allow the Treasury Secretary to unilaterally revoke tax-exempt status from nonprofits accused of supporting terrorism. Critics argue it could be used to target a wide range of organizations, including news outlets, universities and civil society groups, particularly as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Some have even described the legislation as “the death penalty” for charitable nonprofits. Fifteen Democrats broke with their party to back the bill, which passed in the House on a bipartisan vote of 219-184. The bill, branded the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” now heads to the Senate where its fate is uncertain. Even if it fails to win approval in the upper chamber, which is currently controlled by Democrats, Republicans could potentially revisit the issue when the GOP takes power in the next Congress. Supporters of the bill have pointed to pro-Palestine organizations with alleged …