Meng Renews Commitment to Increase Federal Funding for Security at Houses of Worship and Nonprofits

Statement

Following the hostage standoff at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York's senior appropriator on the House Appropriations Committee, renewed her commitment to seek additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship and nonprofit organizations with federal grants to improve the safety and security of their properties.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee -- the panel that funds all of the federal government's agencies, programs, and projects -- Meng secured a record breaking $180 million for the program for fiscal year 2021, and she is fighting for $360 million for the current fiscal year.

This week, Meng spoke with the Committee urging that this program receive additional funding.

The grants, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative that is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), can be used for target-hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures.

"For years, I have underscored how crucial the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is to keeping our communities safe," said Meng. "I have also pushed for additional funding for these grants, and the hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas once again illustrated how essential this need is. As I've said, we can never take a backseat to safety. It must always be the top priority. I am proud to have helped increase funding for this program, and I will continue fighting for even more money so that additional houses of worship and nonprofits can protect themselves from threats and attacks."

Over the last few years, Meng has also organized workshops that have provided information and assistance on applying for the grants, and she is planning another seminar for early this year. The workshops have been for local houses of worship including synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, as well as nonprofit institutions such as community centers, schools, and other facilities. In addition, the Congresswoman has helped several facilities in her congressional district in Queens receive funding from the program.

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