**House GOP Pushes Controversial Bill Granting Trump Sole Power to Shut Down Nonprofits**

House Republicans are facing intense scrutiny over a proposed bill that would grant former President Donald Trump sweeping powers to dismantle nonprofit organizations. This legislative effort, spearheaded by Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., aims to prevent U.S.-based nonprofits from funding terrorist groups like Hamas, but critics argue its implications stretch far beyond the fight against terrorism.

Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., laments that the only influential change prompting people to switch their votes is Trump's impending presidency, which he considers highly unfortunate. Initially introduced in November 2023, the bill rides the wave of heightened tensions as Israel receives U.S. funding during its actions in Gaza. Tenney and her fellow supporters present the bill as a crusade against pro-Palestine groups they claim misuse tax laws to support Hamas and promote antisemitism.

It's important to note that it is already illegal under U.S. law for any entity to provide material support to terrorist groups, with the federal government equipped to enforce these laws through prosecutions and sanctions. However, Tenney's bill seeks to bypass established due process, casting a cloud over the nature and specificity of the enforcement framework.

The prior iteration of the bill achieved remarkable bipartisan support, passing the House 382-11 in April. But with Trump's resurgence, many Democrats are withdrawing their support, fearing potential misuse of the new powers. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., warned on the House floor that this action could lead to an erosion of democracy, essentially providing Trump the power to label anyone a terrorist for disagreeing with him. "This road to fascism is paved with a million little votes," McGovern commented.

An attempt to pass the bill under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds supermajority, narrowly failed on November 12. Resistance from 144 Democrats and one Republican against the bill was just enough to meet the threshold. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., a co-sponsor, expressed regret, noting her initial support was due to a hostage tax-relief provision. Sneaking in the nonprofit provision, she claimed, made the bill ripe for abuse by future administrations.

Many Democrats swiftly shifted their stances, with support within the party dwindling from 52 votes on November 12 to a mere 15 by Thursday. Representatives Angie Craig, D-Minn., and Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., reversed their votes, citing concerns over Trump's erratic cabinet picks.

Opposition has also been vocal outside Congress, spearheaded by the American Civil Liberties Union and over 150 other civil society groups. On Wednesday, more than 55 Jewish organizations collectively denounced the bill. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas emerged as a prominent critic, deeming the bill both redundant and dangerously powerful. "This bill is not about terrorism - it's about giving Donald Trump unlimited authority to label his opponents as terrorists," Doggett stated on MSNBC.

As the debate rages on, the House GOP's attempt to pass this contentious legislation raises profound questions about the balance of power and the future of nonprofit organizations in America.