Congresswoman helped secure federal dollars for a number of projects and programs in the annual federal spending bill
US Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced Monday that she helped secure millions for several projects and programs that are crucial to the US-Israel relationship and the Jewish community.
These critical projects and programs were included in the new government spending package for fiscal year 2023, which was passed by the House this afternoon after being approved by the Senate on Thursday. The legislation is now expected to be signed into law by President Biden. The items that Meng helped obtain include:
An unprecedented $305 million for the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an increase of $55 million
This $55 million boost will ensure that more synagogues and Jewish community centers will be able to benefit from this crucial initiative. The money can be spent on target-hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures to help guard against threats and attacks.
$500 million for US-Israel missile defense programs
Congresswoman Meng led the effort to secure $500 million for the continued funding of the Iron Dome, Arrow-3, and David’s Sling missile defense systems. These programs are essential to the safety and security of Israel. Prioritizing and ensuring robust funding for these programs is necessary to address the evolving threats posed by Israeli adversaries, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran – all of which are developing more advanced short-, medium-, and long-range rocket and missile capabilities.
$3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel, as agreed to in the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding
This critical funding, with no added political conditions, reflects the strong bipartisan support for Israel’s security in Congress.
$50 million for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA).
Congresswoman Meng led the effort to secure $50 million for MEPPA to advance peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians. MEPPA programs promote economic cooperation, people-to-people peacebuilding programs, and advance shared community building, peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
An increase of $500,000 for the Office of the Ambassador for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism
Congresswoman Meng led the effort to secure $1.5 million for the Office of the Ambassador for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism to ensure that Deborah Lipstadt, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, is able to continue her important work combating the rise in Anti-Semitism, globally.
$72.5 million for US-Israel counter-drone and anti-tunneling cooperation
The work between the US and Israel on these issues is critical to counter the rise of Iranian drone threats and the constant threat of tunnels from Hezbollah and Hamas.
$1 million for Met Council to support their efforts to provide kosher food and services to seniors
Language urging US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accelerate its efforts to include more kosher food as part of federal nutrition programs.
$8.5 million for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program
This provides care and services to Holocaust survivors in the United States.
“Fighting for the Jewish community and ensuring the safety and security of our ally Israel continue to be key priorities of mine in Congress, and I’m proud to once again deliver important funding for these crucial efforts,” said Congresswoman Meng, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. “I am particularly pleased to have obtained millions to help address the disgusting increase in anti-Semitism, and initiatives that seek to combat these despicable acts of hate. I thank my colleagues for supporting all the critical funding that I secured, and I look forward to keeping up the fight and obtaining even more money in the future.”