Proposed Slashes To US Security-grant Program Cause Concern Across Aisle

U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo is seen inside press conference room on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Washington, DC. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has $305 million available for the current fiscal year to target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. SALWAN GEORGES/THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES

In the current fiscal year, $305 million is available through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for “target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack.”

The current U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bill proposal would trim that by $18 million—to $287 million. This proposal from the committee, chaired by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), president pro tempore, is drawing criticism from Jewish organizations.