Bipartisan lawmakers urge President Trump to boost funding for security of Jewish institutions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) on Friday called on President Donald Trump to increase federal funding for programs that support the security of Jewish and other faith-based institutions in his upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget request.
In a letter to the president, the lawmakers requested $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides funds to religious and nonprofit organizations for security enhancements. The letter also called for additional resources for the FBI and local law enforcement to help prevent and respond to hate crimes.
The request follows what the lawmakers described as a rise in antisemitic threats and violence, including the recent killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C.
“At a time when hate and violence against the Jewish community is at historic levels, it is imperative that the federal government take the necessary steps to increase funding for enhanced security measures,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers also urged increased support for specific DOJ programs, such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program and the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, and asked the administration to consider dedicated funding for faith-based organizations to hire security personnel.
Advocacy groups including the Anti-Defamation League and the Secure Community Network voiced support for the funding proposal.
“This is no time for half-measures,” said Lauren Wolman, the ADL’s director of federal policy and strategy. “Every dollar invested is an investment in saving lives and protecting our shared values.”
Michael Masters, CEO of the Secure Community Network, called the recent killings outside the Capitol Jewish Museum a “painful reminder” of growing threats. He said the letter outlines “key, concrete actions” the federal government can take to protect at-risk communities.
The proposed increases would be part of President Trump’s discretionary budget request to Congress for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025.
