Legislation would grant additional funds to synagogues for security

By MARCY OSTER/JTA
A WOMAN brings flowers to an impromptu memorial at the Tree of Life Synagogue following the previous day’s shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh, on October 28. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A WOMAN brings flowers to an impromptu memorial at the Tree of Life Synagogue following the previous day’s shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh, on October 28.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Two senators have introduced bi-partisan legislation to give funds to synagogues, and other religious and cultural institution to help provide additional security against potential terrorist attacks.
U.S. Senators Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Gary Peters, D-Mich, on Friday introduced Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act, or S. 1539, to authorize $75 million annually for fiscal years 2020-2024 for the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Of the $75 million total, $50 million would be available for nonprofits located within high-risk urban areas, and the remaining $25 million will be available for organizations that fall outside of those areas.  Under the legislation, funding may be used for making the institution’s building more secure, training for personnel, and any other appropriate activity to increase security.
A letter initiated by Portman was sent earlier this month to the top Republican and Democratic senators on the Appropriations Committee seeking a raise to $75 million from $60 million in security funding for religious institutions.
“Ensuring that synagogues, religious and cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations have the resources and training they need to secure their facilities is one way Congress can help address this unnecessary violence that has tragically become more and more common,” Portman said in a statement. “As I’ve said many times, there is no place for hatred or bigotry of any kind toward our fellow citizens.  The threats and attacks we’ve seen across our country are attacks on our values and this bipartisan bill will help protect faith- and cultural-based institutions in Ohio and across our country.”