Rep. Katko Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Safeguard Jewish Community Centers

Press Release

U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24) today joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues, Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), Brian Mast (R-FL), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), in introducing legislation to increase federal penalties for making bomb threats, and provide $20 million in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security to safeguard faith-based community centers.

The bill, which already has the support of 28 other members, would provide $20 million in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security under the existing State Homeland Security Grant Program specifically dedicated to safeguarding faith-based community centers. Additionally, it would double the federal penalty against making bomb threats from five years to ten years.

"With recurrent threats to Jewish Community Centers around the country and right here in Central New York, it is vital that we act to stop and prevent these unacceptable criminal acts. This bill is critical to that effort," said Rep. John Katko (NY-24). "By doubling the federal penalty for a person convicted of a bomb threat and authorizing grants to safeguard faith-based community centers, we can help to restore safety and security to our communities. I'm proud to work with a bipartisan group in Congress to advance this measure forward."

"I applaud our local Congressman John Katko and his bipartisan colleagues for introducing this much needed legislation aimed at making our facility and other Jewish community centers around the country safer," said Marci Erlebacher, executive director of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center in Syracuse. "Jewish community centers such as ours are the nucleus of our nation's Jewish communities. We have been hit hard by these threats of violence and now all JCCs feel an urgent need for increased security measures. We will not be deterred from providing quality services and programs for individuals of all ages and faiths in our Central New York region. We greatly appreciate the assistance that this bill will offer us to continue in our mission."

Last month, Rep. Katko called on the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to address mass bomb threats at Jewish Community Centers nationwide.

Similar legislation was introduced in the US. Senate by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV).

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