U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Safeguard JCCs and Other Faith-Based Community Centers

On Monday, Senator Baldwin visited JCC Milwaukee, which has faced multiple bomb threats this year 

Bipartisan reform bolsters Homeland Security grant funding to safeguard faith-based community centers and increases federal penalty against making false bomb threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has cosponsored bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of Homeland Security provides state and local law enforcement with adequate resources to protect faith-based community centers across the United States.

Amidst bomb threats against JCC Milwaukee and Jewish community centers across the country, and the recent spike in anti-Semitic incidents in America, Senator Baldwin voiced concerns and the need for action to combat and prevent hate crimes. On Monday, Senator Baldwin visited JCC Milwaukee to discuss the recent bomb threats with JCC staff, families and local leaders.

“We must stand with JCC Milwaukee, Jewish community centers across the country and the international Jewish community,” said Senator Baldwin. “This bipartisan legislation will help community centers in Wisconsin and across the country continue to educate young Americans, provide vital wellness services and build stronger, more compassionate communities in safety.” 

The legislation would provide $20 million 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 bipartisan legislation was introduced by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Dean Heller (R-NV) and is supported by the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA), the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and J Street.