Three Gottheimer-led amendments pass in the Homeland Security package, strengthening Nonprofit Security Grant Program, combatting auto theft
Delivers an additional $30 million for security of religious institutions — and makes Nonprofit Security Grants more accessible
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) Wednesday helped lead three amendments that passed in the 2025 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act.
Gottheimer’s amendments in the Homeland Security appropriations package include:
- A bipartisan amendment co-led with Representatives Bill Pascrell (NJ-9) and Michael McCaul (TX-10), which will increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program by $30 million.
- An amendment that improves the Nonprofit Security Grant Program’s outreach, access, and transparency.
- An amendment that helps the Department of Homeland Security combat global auto theft rings that use U.S. ports to export stolen cars abroad.
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps religious institutions invest in physical protections, security technology, and training to keep their communities safe in the face of rising hate.
In May, Gottheimer announced that North Jersey clawed back a record $4.8 million in Nonprofit Security Grants to 34 nonprofit organizations across North Jersey. In April, as part of the bipartisan security aid package, Gottheimer successfully negotiated and passed a $400 million investment in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This critical program is majorly oversubscribed: Applicants requested $679 million in funding this year for a program that only has about $300 million available.
Funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is more critical than ever given the rise in antisemitism and other forms of hate. According to data released by the Anti-Defamation League or ADL, there were nearly 9,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States in 2023 — the highest number on record since the ADL started tracking antisemitism in 1979. This included 5,200 incidents following October 7th — more than all of 2022 — and 830 incidents in New Jersey, specifically.
Gottheimer’s auto theft amendment builds on his previous work to stop coordinated auto theft rings. In April, he introduced the bipartisan Combatting Auto Robbery at the Source — or CARS Act — to re-establish a National Auto Theft Bureau (NATB) with Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-4).
“I’m glad to see three of my amendments included in the House version of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The Nonprofit Security Grant program is all about protecting religious freedom and our houses of worship, schools, and community centers, including temples, churches, and mosques – the very places everyone should feel safe. My amendment on auto theft helps ensure our federal law enforcement are equipped to stop organized auto criminals,” Gottheimer said. “Here in America, the greatest country in the world, we must prioritize both religious freedom and public safety. My amendments help us achieve both of those goals.”
