Barrett Helps Introduce Bill to Combat Rising Anti-Semitic Violence in America

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) helped introduce H.R. 9211, the Jewish American Security (JASA) Act to better protect Jewish Americans and their places of worship, schools, and community centers nationwide. Specifically, the bill would strengthen law enforcement resources, nonprofit security grant programs, online transparency, and protections for Jewish students.

"The rise in antisemitic attacks across our country needs to be addressed; this violence has no place in America," said Barrett. "Jewish communities deserve to feel safe in their synagogues, on their campuses, and online. This bipartisan legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need, strengthens security resources, and holds online platforms accountable to put an end to this sort of hate-fueled violence."

The Jewish American Security Act includes:

Law enforcement resources and threat assessments:

• Strengthens DOJ collaboration with state and local law enforcement to secure at-risk houses of worship;
• Requires the FBI, DHS, and National Counterterrorism Center to produce annual joint threat assessments with declassified public versions.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) reforms:

• Increases NSGP funding to $1 billion annually and streamlines application and reimbursement timelines;
• Expands allowable use of funds for security staffing based on risk assessments;
• Enhances oversight through reporting requirements and public disclosure of program data.

Online Transparency:

• Requires online platforms to submit biannual transparency reports on content moderation practices, including removal of antisemitic content and account suspensions;
• Mandates disclosure of policy changes regarding extremist or inauthentic accounts.

Protections for Jewish Students:

• Requires federal funding recipients to designate and train a Title VI civil rights coordinator;
• Mandates formal nondiscrimination policies and standardized grievance procedures for investigating and resolving discrimination complaints.