Protect Arts Nonprofits and the Communities We Serve: Oppose H.R. 9495
UPDATE, December 3, 2024: This morning, H.R. 9495 was officially received in the Senate. Our organization is just one of many Pittsburgh nonprofits that voiced concerns to Pittsburgh NPR station WESA about what a dangerous milestone the passage of this bill in the House marks for nonprofits across the United States. We're asking others to join us in contacting your State Senator to urge them to oppose H.R. 9495.
In Pennsylvania, contact:
- U.S. Senator Bob Casey at (202) 224-6324
- U.S. Senator John Fetterman at (202) 224-4254
You can also call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to urge Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to NOT allow H.R. 9495 to come up for a vote in the Senate.
UPDATE, November 21, 2024: We're disappointed to report that Bill H.R. 9495 has passed the House with a vote of 219-184, according to Nonprofit Quarterly. The bill now advances to the Senate. We would like to thank all of the Representatives who voted no on this bill, and we are committed to continue to advocate for our Senators to do the same so that this unjust and problematic bill—one that threatens to harm nonprofits like ours and those we serve—does not become law.
Our original post, published on November 20, 2024, is below.
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Arts,
Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of our communities. We provide critical health and human services, preserve cultural heritage, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Presently, however, charitable organizations face an unprecedented threat.
The House of Representatives is expected to soon vote on H.R. 9495, with some anticipating a vote could occur as early as Thursday, November 21. This bill would grant the Department of Treasury the authority to label nonprofits as terrorist-supporting organizations—without due process—and revoke their nonprofit status. If passed, H.R. 9495 could open the door to politically motivated attacks on nonprofits, silencing organizations, and depriving communities of vital services.
As we emphasized in our recent statement, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is committed to defending and advocating for our sector. H.R. 9495 threatens the very principles we stand for. Imagine your local arts nonprofit—where children discover the joy of self-expression, where communities unite through performance, and where cultural heritage is preserved—shut down due to an unfounded allegation. This bill could stifle artistic voices, dismantle critical programs, and leave our communities without the creative resources that sustain them.
The implications are far-reaching. H.R. 9495 undermines the nonprofit sector’s ability to operate independently, jeopardizing not just arts organizations but also the broader network of nonprofits addressing critical social needs.
We must act. Today, we call on you—our stakeholders, partners, and allies—to join us in urging Congress to oppose H.R. 9495.
Take action today:
Check how they voted on Nov. 12
Contact them by phone or email
If your Representative voted no, thank them, and ask them to vote no again
If your Representative voted yes, request that they vote NO on H.R. 9495 to protect nonprofits and the communities they serve
Click here to take action.
As we said before, the arts are more than a reflection of our world; they challenge it, inspire new futures, and hold a mirror to the truths we must confront. Join us in standing strong to protect the vital work of our sector from harmful and unjust legislation.
Thank you for your advocacy, your courage, and your commitment to the nonprofit sector and the transformative power of the arts.
With determination and gratitude,
Patrick Fisher
CEO
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council