Heinrich, Heller Introduce Legislation To Safeguard JCC's And Other Faith-Based Community Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 28, 2016) - U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Dean Heller (R-N.V.) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security provides state and local law enforcement with adequate resources to protect faith-based community centers across the United States.

The Senators have been deeply concerned with the significant number of bomb threats facing Jewish Community Centers (JCC) . In three weeks alone, JCC's saw 63 bomb threats, forcing the evacuations of hundreds across the country and twice in Albuquerque.  Last week, Senator Heinrich toured the local JCC in Albuquerque with Executive Director Dave Simon and met with members of the board of directors to discuss their concerns. 

"Anti-Semitism, or any faith-based targeting, is unacceptable -- period.  Yesterday alone, there were 20 new bomb threats across 11 states.  These threats aim to introduce fear into our communities and must not be tolerated," said Senator Heinrich. "This legislation would help ensure that community centers like the JCC's have the added protection they need and can focus on serving the community, while the FBI and our Justice Department track down those responsible."

"Anti-Semitism or any kind of discrimination should never be tolerated. I'm proud to partner with my friend Senator Heinrich to combat the recent threats that have caused havoc and evacuations at Jewish community centers across the country," said Senator Heller. "We must take measures to prevent these actions from occurring. This legislation provides our communities with the resources needed to stop these despicable and hateful acts."

The bill would provide 20 million dollars in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security under the existing State Homeland Security Grant Program specifically dedicated to safeguarding faith-based community centers. Additionally, it would double the federal penalty against making fake bomb threats from five years to ten years.

The legislation is supported by the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA), the JCC of Greater Albuquerque, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and J Street.

Dave Simon, Executive Director of the JCC of Greater Albuquerque, said "With this bill, Senator Heinrich is providing the leadership America needs to fight hate and better protect our communities," adding that the "legislation would help protect our JCC and hundreds of community centers across the country."

In January, Senator Heinrich sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security expressing his concern with the bomb threats facing Jew Community Centers, and urged Secretary John Kelly to provide guidance and resources to JCC's nationwide.

A copy of the bill text is available here.