13 Sep Lawmakers risk harming US charities, violating Americans’ privacy amid investigations of foreign influence

Concerns rise over potential misuse of foreign donations to U.S. charities for political activities amid 2024 presidential debates. House Ways and Means Committee members probe into nonprofits’ funding sources during August recess. Despite recent abuse cases, lawmakers warned against discouraging charitable donations. Charitable sector’s significant role in addressing societal issues highlighted. Nonprofits play crucial role in policy advocacy, acting as counterbalance to government. Lawmakers urged to protect citizens’ constitutional rights while investigating potential foreign abuse of charitable avenues for political purposes. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision supports right to anonymous donations. Disclosure of donors’ personal information considered overreaching, potentially harmful. Existing laws should handle evidence of wrongdoing. Reports indicate decline in charitable giving; punishing private donors could further reduce aid to struggling American families. Despite political targeting and discrimination, donors and nonprofits continue to collaborate, improving communities. Lawmakers must uphold constitutional rights of donors to ensure future charitable work.

Source: The Hill