Two nonprofits subpoenaed in a House Ways and Means Committee investigation into communist tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham's funding network have formally objected to the congressional subpoenas, accusing lawmakers of reviving "Red Scare" tactics to target them because of their political views.In letters from their attorneys to the committee, New York City-based BreakThrough News, a pro-China media outlet, and Peoples Forum Inc., a socialist activist group, argued the subpoenas violate the First Amendment.They claim lawmakers are targeting their free speech, journalism and political advocacy rather than conducting a legitimate tax-law investigation.In a statement to Fox News Digital, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., defended the investigation and criticized the organizations' refusal to comply with the July 21 subpoenas."Make no mistake: Compliance with a congressional subpoena isn't optional, and the Committee will use all tools it has available to investigate whether foreign actors are exploiting our tax code to sow chaos and create division," Smith said.HOUSE PANEL SUBPOENAS 3 LEFT-WING GROUPS IN PROBE OF $39M TIED TO MARXIST TYCOON NEVILLE SINGHAMSplit image showing House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., left, and Marxist tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham.Smith's committee has subpoenaed organizations linked to Singham as part of an investigation into alleged foreign influence and nonprofit funding.
(Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Steve Jennings/Getty Images)In letters, attorneys for both organizations wrote in identical language, "A witch-hunt is not a valid legislative purpose," arguing the committee's public statements reflect "the language of the Red Scare."Both organizations argue they are not required to comply with the subpoenas as presently framed, saying the committee's demands are too broad and seek information protected by the First Amendment.They leave open the possibility of respondin...