USCJ Urges Support for the High-Risk Non-Profit Security Enhancement Act of 2004
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is urging Members of Congress to support legislation authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security to make available in the coming year up to $100 million in assistance to non-profit organizations believed to be at high risk of terrorist attack.
According to Sarrae Crane, USCJ Director of Social Action & Public Policy, “While non-profit organizations clearly require the same protection as other institutions, they generally lack the necessary resources. Given the current and ever-increasing concern that high-profile locations are potential targets for terrorist attacks, it is imperative that a way be found to protect them. It is essential that the American people feel comfortable going about their daily routines -- including participation in activities housed in non-profit institutions."
While the money being requested for such assistance is only a fraction of the assessed needs of high-risk non-profits, which is well in excess of $1 billion, the “Coalition for the High-Risk Non-Profit Security Enhancement Act of 2004,” of which the United Synagogue is a signatory, has taken into account current budgetary constraints. The funds requested – to be allocated by a new office in the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to working with high-risk non-profits nationwide – could be used only for security enhancements directly related to the international terrorist threat but could not be used for security equipment that would reasonably be necessary for protection from neighborhood crime.
The bill also authorizes $50 million for local police departments to provide additional security in areas where there is a high concentration of high-risk non-profits.
