The House of Representatives recently passed a bill (H.R. 9495), also known as the “Kill Nonprofits Bill,” that would give the Trump administration the power to shut down nonprofits unilaterally and without due process. If passed, it will have a chilling effect on civil society. As the founder of a nonprofit that is proudly based in Maine, I am disappointed that Sen. Angus King is sponsoring the Senate version of the bill (S. 4136).

Like the senator, I am concerned about financing of terrorism. But it is already illegal for nonprofits to support terrorist groups. The mere accusation of support for terrorism would be enough to cripple most charitable organizations that rely on public support. Here in Maine nonprofits employ one out of every six workers and pay $350 million dollars in income taxes each year while providing essential services ranging from after-school programs, to support for the homeless, to critical services for our veterans. They are our hospitals, our schools, our parks, our libraries, and our community centers. Our senator should be working in support of them, not sponsoring bills that threaten their existence.

This bill is universally opposed by the nonprofit and philanthropy sector. A joint statement issued by Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum argues that the legislation “creates redundancies and confusion while providing the executive branch with expansive new authority that could be abused.” The Maine Association of Nonprofits also opposes the bill and Rep. Chellie Pingree voted against it. Sen. King should listen to nonprofit professionals in Maine and withdraw his support.

Dave Moss

Oakland