Wichita Standard

Today, Representative Ron Estes from Kansas expressed his support for H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, during a session in the House of Representatives. The bill received bipartisan backing in the House Ways and Means Committee earlier this year on September 11th and was passed by the House with a vote of 219-184. This included support from 15 Democrats along with all but one Republican.

Rep. Estes emphasized that "our discussion today is against the backdrop of the atrocious attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists more than a year ago," noting that seven Americans are still held captive by Hamas. He acknowledged that while "this bill won’t bring them home," it aims to prevent support for terrorist groups and provide relief to returning hostages.

The proposed legislation seeks to end tax-exempt status for organizations supporting terrorist groups such as Hamas. Rep. Estes stated, "The United States shouldn't be giving any incentive for organizations to be helpful for terrorists." Additionally, the bill addresses issues faced by survivors upon their return, including harassment from the IRS regarding back taxes and fines.

Rep. Estes urged members of Congress to support what he described as common-sense policies intended to assist Americans suffering under terrorist restraint.