House Republicans Prepare for 119th Congress

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah for holding this Special Order this evening.

This week, House Republicans are taking a decisive stand to support our fellow Americans who are wrongfully held hostage abroad.

The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act will change the way the IRS will treat American citizens who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. With over 40 Americans currently detained, it is simply unacceptable for them to return home only to face tax penalties imposed by their own government.

Our current tax code provides just 1 year of relief before late fees begin to accumulate, and this is unacceptable.

The IRS imposing late fees and penalties on hostages for missing tax returns highlights the agency's failure to help the American people. We must ensure these Americans can focus on reuniting with their families and not be burdened by financial penalties and bureaucratic red tape.

Additionally, a crucial part of this legislation is that it sends a powerful message to those who finance terrorism that we will revoke the tax-exempt status of U.S. nonprofits that support groups like Hamas.

American taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize those who seek to undermine our safety and security. We must stand united with these Americans and make it clear: Our government will not tolerate any support for terrorism. We will continue to fight for justice, and we will continue to fight to protect our citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney) for sponsoring this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill.

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