Bipartisan House bill would expand federal security grants to cover synagogue guards

Reps. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced the bipartisan Safe Spaces for All Act to expand federal security grants for synagogues and other places of worship. The legislation aims to amend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security program to cover the costs of on-site security personnel and off-duty police, in addition to existing eligible security measures. It also allows nonprofits to use up to 5% of a grant for administrative costs, assisting smaller organizations. This bill addresses rising security costs for Jewish institutions, which are projected to spend over $1 billion on security in 2025, with most expenses dedicated to personnel. The legislation has been endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Federations of North America, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of JEWISHcolorado. As ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated, "Walk into most American synagogues today, and the first person you meet isn't a rabbi; it's a security guard." The bill follows the proposed Jewish American Security Act, which seeks to authorize $1 billion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.