U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) on Feb. 7 proposed a bipartisan bill that would establish a federal clearinghouse within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and places of worship to find information to maintain their safety and security.
“Americans must be protected in their place of worship,” Rep. Salazar said. “I’m proud to co-lead this bill to create a federal repository of best security practices and grant opportunities to improve safety and security for Miami’s churches, synagogues, and religious organizations.”
Rep. Salazar is the lead original cosponsor of the Pray Safe Act, H.R. 7296, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA). H.R. 7296 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 1886, sponsored on June 8, 2023, by U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI).
If enacted, the proposed measure would require DHS, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, to establish the federal clearinghouse to serve as a central source for accessing safety and security standards, federal resources, and grant information, according to the text of the bill.
Such information would help nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and places of worship prevent, protect against, or recover from threats and incidents, including natural disasters, man-made disasters, or terrorist attacks, the text says.
“Too often, our places of worship are targets for individuals filled with hate — including here in Orange County [Calif.] when Geneva Presbyterian Church was attacked by a mass shooter,” said Rep. Porter. “In a time of rising fear and violence, our faith communities need strong federal partnership to keep Americans safe. I’ll continue to work with colleagues across the aisle to pass the Pray Safe Act, combat hate, and bring our country together.”