Lawmakers urge increased federal funding to protect Jewish institutions in FY2026 budget
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) led a bipartisan letter last week to former President Donald Trump, requesting increased federal funding to support security measures for Jewish institutions and other nonprofits in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal.
The lawmakers called on Trump to request $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funds to faith-based institutions to enhance protection against threats and attacks. They also urged increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to bolster hate crime prevention and enforcement efforts.
The letter highlighted additional funding needs for local law enforcement, citing grant programs such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program, the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, and the Community-based Approaches to Prevent and Address Hate Crimes Program. It also asked the administration to consider support for faith-based organizations to hire additional security personnel.
“We are writing to express our concern regarding the sharp rise in threats to the Jewish community,” the lawmakers stated in the letter. “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 request follows the fatal attack on two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., which officials described as a stark reminder of ongoing security concerns.
Several advocacy organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Secure Community Network, supported the lawmakers’ appeal, emphasizing the need for urgent and comprehensive government action to safeguard communities from antisemitic threats.
The FY2026 federal budget process is ongoing, and funding decisions remain subject to congressional review and approval.
