Reps. Neguse, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Safe Spaces for All Act
Lafayette, CO — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Nebraskan Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) teamed up to introduce the Safe Spaces for All Act, a bipartisan bill that provides at-risk places of worship and community centers with critical resources to bolster their security. The lawmakers spearheaded this effort amid a heightened risk of attack for worshipers across the country and after a series of high-profile attacks at synagogues, churches, and other gathering sites have intensified anxiety and fear among Americans of all religions.
Rep. Neguse, who proudly represents Boulder County in the House of Representatives, witnessed firsthand the devastation that comes with faith-based violence and the scourge of antisemitism last summer when a terrorist hurled Molotov cocktails at a group of Jewish members of the community that were taking part in a peaceful walk and vigil calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, killing one individual and severely injuring more than a dozen others.
Neguse has led multiple efforts to combat the antisemitism that is metastasizing across the country, including working across party lines to secure overwhelming passage of a resolution reaffirming Congress’s commitment to stopping antisemitism in all forms.
“We must do far more to combat the scourge of antisemitism, and to ensure that synagogues, temples and community centers have the resources to ensure that they are safe as hateful threats and violent actions metastasize in Colorado and across the country,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Safe Spaces for All Act bolsters security for our communities, and ensures that under these incredibly trying circumstances, members of the community can feel protected and supported.”
“I’m proud to join Representative Neguse in introducing the Safe Spaces for All Act, because every nonprofit, especially faith-based and community organizations, deserves to safely serve their communities. This bipartisan bill strengthens the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) by allowing grants to cover on-site security staff, including off-duty law enforcement, and support for navigating the grant process itself. As threats increasingly target our vital civic and religious institutions, this straightforward, pragmatic measure ensures we’re providing the tools needed to keep Americans safe—without creating a new bureaucracy,” said Congressman Bacon.
The Safe Spaces for All Act expands the capabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), allowing grant funds to be used to hire permanent salaried onsite security guards, employ personnel to both apply for and administer NSGP grants, and hire off-duty law enforcement officers to provide security. Under current law, NSGP funds cannot be used to pay permanent salaried security personnel or cover the cost of staff responsible for preparing grant applications.
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is especially important for faith-based organizations facing a troubling rise in threats, prejudice, and acts of violence. In addition to strengthening security, this bill will help organizations in rural and remote communities where it can be logistically challenging to find enough qualified private security vendors to meet their security needs.
The Safe Spaces for All Act is supported by JEWISHcolorado, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Jewish Federations of North America.
“Security is not one-size-fits-all. For many houses of worship, community centers, and other nonprofits – trained personnel and the capacity to manage security funding are just as critical as the cameras, barriers, and other physical improvements. The Safe Space for All Act would provide institutions the flexibility to use NSGP funding where it can have the greatest impact - making the program more accessible, responsive, and effective. JEWISHcolorado and the Jewish Community Relations Council thank Congressmen Neguse & Bacon for their continued leadership in strengthening this vital program and helping communities gather, worship, learn, and serve safely,” stated the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of JEWISHcolorado.
“Walk into most American synagogues today, and the first person you meet isn't a rabbi, it's a security guard. That is the reality of Jewish life in America. Cameras, reinforced doors and metal detectors are essential, but with threats continuing to evolve and escalate, so must our defenses,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “The Safe Spaces for All Act meets that reality head-on by modernizing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program so at-risk organizations can protect the people they serve. We commend Reps. Neguse and Bacon for their bipartisan leadership on this important legislation, and we urge Congress to act swiftly.”
“At-risk community institutions face persistent security threats and require flexible, practical tools to keep communities safe. This act clarifies eligible uses under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, ensuring organizations can use these resources to address their evolving security needs. We are thankful this bill takes the steps to codify these necessary improvements,” said the Honorable Eric D. Fingerhut, President & Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Federations of North America.
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