Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) is introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to provide security assistance for houses of worship.
Specifically, the Pray Safe Act establishes a centralized federal system through which faith-based organizations can access information on security and safety practices, training opportunities, and available federal grants.
"Freedom to practice one's religion is central to our nation's founding. Americans must be protected in their place of worship," said Rep. Salazar in a statement. "I'm proud to co-lead the Pray Safe Act, which will establish a federal repository of best security practices and grant opportunities to better protect Miami's churches, synagogues, and religious organizations."
Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), the bill's cosponsor in the House, affirmed that "no one should ever have to fear for their safety while practicing their faith."
"However, we have seen an alarming rise in vandalism, violence, and terror targeting houses of worship, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofit organizations," Meng continued, warning that "it is vital that these organizations have the security resources they need, and ensuring their protection should always be a bipartisan priority."
"The Federal government should not sit idly by while faith communities experience attacks on their houses of worship," Meng urged. "The security needs are only increasing, and creating a dedicated resource for communities to improve their security would help stop these incidents before they happen."
Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are introducing the Senate companion bill.
This legislation comes on the heels of an attack on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. Five people, including the attacker, later identified as Thomas Sanford, were confirmed dead.
