Senators Hassan, Johnson and Reps. Meng, Salazar Lead Colleagues in Reintroducing Bipartisan Bill to Improve Security for Houses of Worship

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Ron Johnson (R-WI), as well as Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) led the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Pray Safe Act, to establish a federal clearinghouse through which faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and other nonprofits could access information on safety and security best practices, available federal security grant programs, and safety training opportunities.

"Americans must be able to worship in peace, knowing that they are secure and free as they do. As our country witnesses a deeply troubling increase in the number of violent incidents and attacks that target places of worship, including this weekend's horrible attack in Michigan, we need to do more to help houses of worship stay safe," said Senator Hassan. "Our bipartisan bill is an important step to safeguard these sacred spaces, ensuring that faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and other nonprofits can access more support and federal resources so that their congregations can pray free from the fear of violence."

"Similar to my Luke and Alex School Safety Act, the Pray Safe Act would codify a federal clearinghouse for best safety practices to help secure faith-based organizations and defend our religious freedoms. I am happy to cosponsor this legislation in light of recent attacks on churches across the country," said Senator Johnson.

"No one should ever have to fear for their safety while practicing their faith," said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). "However, we have seen an alarming rise in vandalism, violence, and terror targeting houses of worship, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofit organizations. It is vital that these organizations have the security resources they need, and ensuring their protection should always be a bipartisan priority. The Federal government should not sit idly by while faith communities experience attacks on their houses of worship. The security needs are only increasing and creating a dedicated resource for communities to improve their security would help stop these incidents before they happen. I am proud to have championed efforts to better protect houses of worship and nonprofits, and I'm pleased to continue doing so by joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this legislation. I look forward to working with them to deliver this bill to the President's desk."

"Freedom to practice one's religion is central to our nation's founding. Americans must be protected in their place of worship," said Rep. Salazar (R-FL). "I'm proud to co-lead the Pray Safe Act, which will establish a federal repository of best security practices and grant opportunities to better protect Miami's churches, synagogues, and religious organizations."

"As ADL's research has shown, antisemitism and other forms of hate continue to fuel threats against faith-based organizations and houses of worship," said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. "We are grateful to Representatives Grace Meng and Maria Salazar, as well as Senators Maggie Hassan and Ron Johnson, for reintroducing the bipartisan Pray Safe Act. This legislation will help ensure that synagogues, churches, mosques, and other faith communities have the resources, training, and best practices they need to stay safe and secure."

"Jewish Federations strongly support the introduction of the Pray Safe Act, a piece of legislation which would strengthen security for all faith communities at this critical moment in our nation's history. This weekend's attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, so soon after the attack on the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, make painfully clear the urgent need for this bipartisan bill. At a time of rising antisemitism and escalating threats to houses of worship, the Pray Safe Act would provide essential resources, training, and support to help keep synagogues, churches, mosques, and other sacred spaces safe. Protecting religious freedom begins with ensuring that every faith community can gather in peace and security," said the Honorable Eric D. Fingerhut, CEO and President, Jewish Federations of North America

The Pray Safe Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Federal Clearinghouse on Safety and Security Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, and Houses of Worship. This centralized location will provide organizations with information about best practices and recommendations to enhance safety and security. In addition, the Clearinghouse will direct users to available federal resources and grant programs relevant to the safety and security of faith-based organizations and houses of worship.

The legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) in the Senate, and Representatives Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Max Miller (R-OH), Dave Min (D-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Lou Correa (D-CA), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Andre Carson (D-IN), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

This effort builds on Senator Hassan's work to strengthen security at houses of worship and nonprofits. In 2020, Senator Hassan helped pass into law bipartisan legislation to ensure that grant funding for houses of worship and nonprofit organizations be available to houses of worship and nonprofits in small states like New Hampshire, not just in major metropolitan areas. Senator Hassan also worked to quadruple funding for the program.

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