Gallego, Lawler Call for Increased Security Funding for Nonprofit Institutions
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Lawmakers emphasize need for additional funding in wake of recent terrorist attack against Israel |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – With heightened security concerns following the Hamas-led terrorist attacks against Israel and the ongoing war, Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) today called for the inclusion of additional funding for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to help protect the American Jewish community from targeted hate crimes and domestic terrorism. “The images of the barbarism perpetrated by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israeli civilians is sickening. Right now, it is as critical as ever that we stand firm in Israel’s defense, and I’m continuing to work to ensure Israel receives the resources it needs to defend itself. Yet we cannot ignore the disturbing rise in antisemitism not only around the globe but at home. We must also work in a bipartisan fashion to protect America’s Jewish community. That is why any supplemental package considered in Congress must include bolstered funding to improve the security of religious institutions so that Americans feel safe in their places of worship,” said Rep. Gallego. “The unprecedented assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists has left the world in shock and horror. It is truly sickening to see and hear about the atrocities committed by these cold-blooded killers, including the indiscriminate murder of children and the elderly,” said Rep. Lawler. “During this time of rising prolific and rampant antisemitism, we must take every step necessary to ensure the safety of American Jewish communities. That is why I join Representative Gallego in calling for additional funding for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help protect synagogues and other Jewish community centers from targeted hate crimes and domestic terrorism.” Click here to read the letter. The NSGP is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides support for security enhancements and target hardening for nonprofits, including places to worship—such as synagogues—that are at increased risk of terrorist attacks. The letter reads: Supplemental funding for the NSGP will send a strong message of deterrence and reassure our Jewish community of our commitment to their protection. We urge your full and fair consideration of providing additional resources for the Non-Profit Security Grant Program as part of any supplemental funding package that may come to the floor. Rep. Gallego’s call to bolster NSGP reflects his ongoing efforts to support Israel in their war against Hamas. On Wednesday, Rep. Gallego called for the freezing of Iranian assets, including the $6 billion that was recently unfrozen in a prisoner swap. He also joined a letter led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) calling for the Biden Administration to take specific actions on Iranian assets. On Tuesday, Rep. Gallego held a one-on-one call with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, to discuss the Hamas terrorist attacks and how Congress intends to support Israel. Gallego also introduced a bipartisan resolution underscoring the United States’ support for Israel, condemning Hamas’ brutal war on Israel, and mourning those who were killed. And on Saturday, Rep. Gallego released a statement condemning the attack, calling the unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas “alarming and horrifying.” |