{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4447", "DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Nonprofits\u2019 Tax-Exempt Status", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Greg Steube (FL-17) introduced the Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act, legislation that would clarify that a nonprofit\u2019s federal tax-exempt status does not constitute federal financial assistance.\n\nThe bill amends Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code to state that a federal income tax exemption does not count as federal financial assistance for organizations described under sections 501(c), 501(d), or 401(a).\n\nThere are roughly 2 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Many operate without any direct government assistance, thereby avoiding the compliance burdens that federal subsidies often impose. When the tax code was written, Congress intended for a clear distinction between nonprofits that do and do not accept government assistance. This bill affirms Congress\u2019 intent and limits legal uncertainty.\n\n\u201cNonprofits across the country rely on clear, consistent federal rules to continue serving their communities effectively. In recent years, conflicting court decisions have created uncertainty by suggesting that nonprofits could be subject to regulations that Congress never intended for them. This bipartisan legislation would clarify that an organization\u2019s tax-exempt status is not federal financial assistance. It would protect charities, philanthropies, community\u2011based organizations, and religious institutions from unnecessary regulations so they can stay focused on delivering critical services,\u201d said DelBene.\n\n\u201cNonprofits across the country depend on their tax-exempt status to carry out their work. That status should never be treated as a form of government assistance,\u201d said Steube. \u201cThe Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act puts a clear, permanent rule in statute so nonprofits do not have to worry about their tax exemption being reinterpreted as a government handout.\u201d\n\n\u201cNonprofit organizations are the heart of our communities. They play an essential role in supporting families and hardworking Americans, advancing research, educating students, and providing countless other public benefits, often stepping in where government and business can\u2019t or shouldn\u2019t. Their strength lies in their independence. The Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act protects tax-exempt organizations independent from the federal government from unnecessary and burdensome risks of litigation or bureaucratic overreach. We appreciate Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) and Congresswoman DelBene for their bipartisan leadership so nonprofits can continue to focus on their missions,\u201d said Community Impact Coalition Co-Chairs: Tommy Goodwin and Mary Wheatley.\n\n\u201cAssociations are among the most trusted institutions in American life,\u201d said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO, American Society of Association Executives. \u201cThey set the standards that keep products safe and professions credible, train and credential the workforce, and convene the people who solve problems no single company or agency can solve alone. That work depends on their independence. The Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act makes clear what has always been true: tax exemption is not federal financial assistance, and it should never become a lever for government control over organizations that accept no federal dollars. ASAE thanks Congressman Steube and Congresswoman DelBene for introducing this important legislation and urges members of Congress to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresenting family forestry businesses across Rural America, the Forest Landowners Association understands firsthand the important role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening communities and advancing the interests of the people and industries they serve,\u201d said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association. \u201cTax-exempt status is not a government grant or subsidy, and it should not be treated as federal financial assistance. The Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act provides important clarity and protects organizations like FLA from unnecessary regulatory burdens that could hinder our ability to carry out our missions. FLA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunity Associations Institute (CAI) is proud to support the Safeguarding America\u2019s Nonprofits Act,\u201d said Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, CEO of CAI. \u201cNonprofit organizations like CAI play an essential role in providing important resources to support the integrity and strength of America\u2019s communities. This legislation helps ensure CAI can continue to prioritize our members and provide the education, advocacy, and resources they need to support thriving community associations. We thank Congressman Steube and Senator Lankford for their leadership on this important legislation.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of nonprofit organizations, including the Community Impact Coalition, Career Education Colleges and Universities, American Society of Association Executives, National Scleroderma Foundation, Women in Trucking, Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Community Associations Institute, The Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild, Inc., Household and Commercial Products Association, American Rental Association, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, Bostrom, National Association for Regulatory Administration, Association Management Services, Inc., Association CEO, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and the National Emergency Number Association.", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4447"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9231399744749069, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}