that resulted in the death of more than 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians and 30 Americans. Since then, we have seen a dramatic rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel-motivated attacks here at home and around the world.
Globally, Iran’s recent direct attack on Israel was another stark reminder of the threat Iran and its proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas, pose to America, our allies, and the Western world. Acts of terrorism will not be tolerated. We must do everything in our power to wipe the evils of terrorism off the face of this Earth and eradicate terrorism wherever it exists.
Recent reports indicate there are U.S.-based nonprofit organizations suspected of providing support and funding to terrorist groups, including Hamas. Many of these organizations have special 501 tax-exempt status which allows their donors to claim a tax deduction. To put it plainly, domestic financers of terrorism are currently being subsidized by U.S. taxpayer dollars.
Right now, our ability to crack down on tax-exempt organizations that support terrorism is inadequate. Doing so under current law requires a time-consuming bureaucratic process that has sometimes prevented federal authorities from acting.For these reasons, I introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6408, with my Ways and Means Committee colleague, Rep. Brad Schneider .