US bill with bipartisan support targets charities and pro-Palestine groups

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday is set to vote on a bill that would grant the treasury department the power to revoke the tax-exempt status of any non-profit it deems to be a "terrorist supporting organisation", which could put many pro-Palestinian groups critical of Israel's war on Gaza in danger.

The bipartisan Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act will be voted on Tuesday evening local time under a House procedure that requires a two-thirds majority to pass. This is a sign that the bill could receive broad support across both political parties.

The legislation has two parts. The first would provide tax-exempt status and relief for American hostages being held abroad. The second part would give the US Treasury Secretary the authority to issue notices to organisations, with the intent being to label them "terrorist" supporting groups.

Any group that has received this notice could file an appeal. However, the law would not require the US Treasury Department to explain its reasons for the intent to designate it as a "terrorist supporting" group.