Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security she last week joined with a group that is bipartisan, comprising Senators comprising Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) as well as Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and called for an increase in money for FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The increase in funding is requested to be included in any additional funding package Congress could be considering in light of increased concerns over security and safety that those in the American Jewish community following recent attacks on Israel.
This program is called Nonprofit Security Grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security It is intended to provide financial assistance for hardening targets as well as other physical security enhancements for non-profit organizations, such as synagogues as well as other places of worship which are at a greater danger of being attacked by terrorists.
In the wake of increasing conflict and insecurity across the Middle East, Senator Katie Britt has expressed her unwavering backing for Israel and reiterated her resolve to ensure Israel has the resources to protect itself. The reason she advocates for more funds to this program Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an expression of her belief that security issues should not be limited to the outside world and that the security and safety of American communities and places of worship and families should be of paramount importance.
The Sen. Britt shared her perspective she said, “The barbaric attacks on innocent women, children and even the men of Israel are both heartbreaking and stomach-churning. More than any time before, we need to be unwaveringly strong in our response and specific in our goal. As I work with my colleagues from both sides during the coming days, weeks and months ahead, to ensure that Israel is equipped to defend itself using overwhelming force, we must be vigilant in defending ourselves against terrorists as well as the forces of hatred in our own country. I am in favor of a robust budget to the non-profit security grant program in order to ensure the security of our country and ensure that our family members, churches and our communities safe.”
Senator Chris Murphy, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security He emphasized the importance of offering assistance to Israel but also making sure that the Jewish community in the United States. He stated, “The horrific images and videos that we see coming emanating from Israel are unimaginable and I’m doing all I can to ensure that Israel receives the help it requires to protect itself. As the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security I’m also focusing on ensuring that our Jewish community in the United States is safe from a possible rise in anti-Semitic attacks.”
Sen. Cory Booker echoed the idea, recognizing the importance of securing the religious diversity of all communities. He said, “The harrowing images coming from Israel and the increasing number of confirmed deaths as well as the increasing number of civilians taken captive by Hamas…remind us to not ignore the increase in antisemitism across the globe and here in the United States. It is essential that we ensure that we take every precaution to keep our religious communities secure.”
Senator Jacky Rosen, in her remarks on the alarming rise in antisemitic actions, highlighted the necessity of increasing the amount of money to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. She emphasized the importance of supplying vital funds to protect nonprofit organizations especially Jewish places of worship as well as other religious groups throughout the United States.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, co-chair of the Senate Task Force, which is bipartisan for the Prevention of Antisemitism. She emphasized the importance of the program in making sure the safety and security of religious communities including synagogues across country that are frequently targeted.
Senator Katie Britt, who personally went to Israel in her first official trip abroad as a senator in the United States Senate, met with the nation’s most powerful military and political leaders and experienced firsthand the threats that terrorists pose. The experience certainly inspired her to improve security measures within the country.
