Congresswoman also obtains funding for US-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and helps to pass foreign military assistance for Israel
US Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which funds all US government agencies, programs, and projects, announced Tuesday that she has secured a record-breaking $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship and nonprofit entities such as synagogues and Jewish educational institutions with funding to protect their properties against threats and attacks.
The funds were included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which is awaiting a vote by the House of Representatives. The grants, which are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), cover target-hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures.
Meng obtained the increase in funding following her announcement in July that 16 Jewish facilities throughout her congressional district in Queens received a total of $1.6 million under the program ($100,000 each, the maximum amount allowable).
The boost in the program would apply to fiscal year 2021. Meng has helped to increase funding for the grants over the last several years, including a record $90 million for current fiscal year 2020.
Meng also once again secured $500 million for US-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation. The funding, which passed the House as part of the Defense Appropriations bill, will be used for the United States to continue working with Israel in developing missile defense systems for defending the Jewish state. It consists of the following:
$73 million for continued co-production and procurement of Iron Dome;
$127 million for continued development of block upgrades for David’s Sling, which includes extending the system’s range, improving its seeker capabilities and addressing cruise missile threats;
$50 million for continued co-production and procurement of David’s Sling system components;
$77 million for continued co-production and procurement of Arrow-3 system components; and
$173 million for the continued Arrow System Improvement Program to support completion of upgrades and related enhancements to ensure system survivability, Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 launcher integration, and interoperability with US systems.
The Congresswoman also supported and helped pass $3.3 billion in crucial foreign military assistance to Israel, which was approved by the House as part of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.
“From improving the security of synagogues, schools, and other Jewish facilities to ensuring a safe and secure Israel, I am proud to continue delivering funding that is critical to the Jewish community and our ally Israel,” said Meng. “I have and will remain committed to these crucial issues, and will continue working to secure even more funding in the future. I thank my colleagues who supported these provisions, especially my retiring Appropriations Committee Chairwoman and New York colleague Nita Lowey.”
