Leaders of the Congressional Jewish Caucus warn that new requirements tied to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program will politicize a vital security initiative.
The security program provides federal funding for physical security enhancements such as cameras, access controls and other protective measures for nonprofits at risk of attack, including synagogues and other houses of worship, amid rising antisemitism nationwide.
In a letter sent to Kristi Noem, the U.S. homeland security secretary, on Wednesday, caucus co-chairs Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) specifically raised concerns about revised “standard terms and conditions” issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on April 18, 2025.
The revised conditions “create onerous new compliance requirements for recipients that will divert limited funds and restrict the religious conscience of synagogues, schools, and other institutions pivotal to our community,” the lawmakers wrote.
“Insufficient funding or unnecessary obstacles to obtaining grants could undermine the right of every religious community to freely and peacefully worship and congregate without fear,” the letter stated.
Nadler and Schneider urged Noem to “promptly issue new guidance that provides clarity and waives any terms and conditions that do not directly relate to the grant’s purpose, which is to help qualified institutions improve their security against increasing threats.”
Members also objected to what they described as an attempt to link security funding to ideological or political conditions.
“We reject any efforts to force Jewish and other houses of worship and institutions to choose between vital security funding and expression of their core religious freedoms, as well as their faith teachings and values,” the letter stated.
The caucus urged the department to reverse the new requirements by Jan. 21, warning that delays within the “limited window” could affect whether institutions accept grants.
“In this time of increased hate crimes against minorities, and in particular rising antisemitism, we believe it is crucial that NSGP remains a critical resource accessible to all communities in need and free from partisan politicization,” the letter stated.
