Pascrell Helps Lead Bipartisan Efforts to Protect Religious Institutions, Non-Profits

Bill co-sponsored by Pascrell would authorize a security grant program he’s long championed for tax-exempt organizations at risk of terrorist attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) joined with Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), and Reps. Peter King (R-NY), Max Rose (D-NY), Steve Stivers (R-OH), and Troy Balderson (R-OH) to introduce legislation to protect the safety of non-profits at risk of terrorism, including synagogues, mosques, churches, and other places of worship.

“Tragically, we saw yet again this weekend that the spate of deadly domestic extremist violence against houses of worship and nonprofit institutions is a growing threat to virtually every corner of the United States,” said Rep. Pascrell, the co-chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus. “Poway, Pittsburgh, Charleston, Sutherland Springs – no community is fully safe from the arms of radicalized hate. It is our duty to protect them and provide whatever security, training, and other assistance we can muster. Congress should authorize these grants immediately and appropriate increased funding for our threatened institutions in need of assistance, as I have called on in letters to our appropriators.”

“It’s a sad fact that our houses of worship are living under the threat of violence at the hands of extremist terrorists of all ideologies,” said Chairman Thompson. “While we need to work to eradicate all forms of extremism, these at-risk faith-based centers and non-profits need our protection in the short-term. This bill will give key resources to help our communities have the peace of mind they deserve.”

“Our synagogues, mosques, churches and temples are holy and sacred places, where all who worship should be able to do so in peace and without fear of violence,” said Rep. Rose, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing unprecedented levels of hate and bigotry rear its ugly head, causing pain and destruction to all faiths around the world. We must stand strongly in support of all those seeking to pray and worship in peace in our communities—which is why it’s critical we authorize and fully fund this program.”

“We have witnessed too many attacks on innocent civilians in our houses of worship,” said Rep. King. “Now more than ever these institutions need funding to ensure their security, safety and well-being. I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation and will continue to do all that I can to support its passage.”

“At-risk communities, such as faith-based communities, deserve to feel safe,” said Rep. Balderson. “As we saw with the Chabad of Poway shooting, these communities are under attack and they need our help.”

Co-sponsored by Pascrell and 86 other Members, the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2019 would authorize a security grant program within the Department of Homeland Security for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are at risk of a terrorist attack.

This grant funding would assist targeted organizations with costs related to:

• acquiring and installing security equipment;
• hiring security personnel;
• and security training for key personnel to prevent or protect against attacks.

Rep. Pascrell has long called for greater scrutiny of right-wing extremist groups who are often linked to attacks on religious institutions and groups. In 2017, Pascrell highlighted how Donald Trump’s rhetoric was emboldening white supremacist terror groups. He has repeatedly condemned terror attempts against minority groups and called for increased awareness of domestic terror groups. Pascrell is also a longtime supporter of the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program which provides financial support for the security of community centers and places of worship for all religious groups. Since FY2014, Pascrell has successfully worked to increase funding for the program from $13 million to $60 million. In a letter to the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Pascrell requested $75 million for the program for FY2020.

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