Rep. Gillen Joins Reps. Goldman and Lawler in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Federal Efforts to Protect Jewish Americans

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) joined Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) and Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) in introducing the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act (H.R. 9211), to strengthen federal efforts to counter antisemitism in the United States and protect Jewish Americans. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK) lead the companion legislation in the Senate.

"The surge of antisemitism in New York and across the country is shocking and heartbreaking. As a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, I'm working across the aisle to confront this scourge of hate and protect the safety of the Jewish community. That is why I'm proud to help introduce the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act. This comprehensive bill will strengthen efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses, provide record-level security funding for Jewish institutions, and prevent the spread of antisemitic content online. I urge my colleagues to act immediately to guarantee Jewish Americans can live without the threat of religious violence," said Rep. Gillen.

"The shocking and continuing rise of antisemitism in the last few years requires immediate and decisive action," said Rep. Goldman. "I am proud to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Jewish American Security Act, which puts into motion a course of action that will greatly improve the safety of Jewish Americans and Jewish institutions. I will continue to lead the fight for Jewish Americans' right to attend school, worship together, and go online without facing hate and violence."

"Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional right in the United States. Americans should feel safe practicing their religion, but unfortunately there have been a number of attacks at our nation's synagogues. My legislation with Rep. Goldman tackles this issue by enhancing funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This bill also delivers critical protections for Jewish students on college campuses through stronger Title VI enforcement, requires greater transparency from online platforms on antisemitic content, and establishes key threat assessments. We must act decisively so Jewish Americans can feel safe in their schools, synagogues, and online," said Rep. Lawler.

Specifically, the Jewish American Security Act would:

• Reauthorize the FEMA'S National Security Grant Program (NGSP) at $1 billion through 2031.
• Authorize $9 billion annually for the Department of Justice (DOJ) from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to:
  • Bolster state and local law enforcement efforts at religious institutions;
  • Respond to the growing rise in religiously motivated hate crimes; and
  • Enhance coordination between state and local law enforcement agencies and the DOJ.
• Call on the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Counterterrorism Center to produce a joint annual domestic threat assessment that reports on antisemitic violent extremism for a 10-year period and outline the following:
  • An overview of violent extremist ideologies that include antisemitic components;
  • The extent to which individuals in the U.S. have engaged in violent conduct to advance these ideologies;
  • The origins of online platforming of antisemitic domestic violent extremist ideologies, including the involvement of foreign state and non-state actors; and
  • The threat that antisemitic domestic violent extremism poses to the U.S. homeland.
• Direct the Department of Education to appoint an Antisemitism Coordinator.
• Direct large online platforms with at least 50 million monthly U.S. users to submit recurring transparency reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and publish those reports detailing how they identify, moderate, remove, demonetize, deprioritize, and limit the spread of antisemitic content on their platforms.

The full text of the bill is available here.

"Jewish Women International applauds Representatives Goldman and Lawler for introducing the Jewish American Security Act, which addresses the rising antisemitic violence, vandalism and threats American Jewish communities have faced over the last few years," said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. "While no one should have to fear being targeted because they're Jewish, at JWI, we're particularly aware of how young Jewish women are experiencing this moment and the threats they feel both in person and online. This bill would strengthen protections in schools, expand security support for communal institutions, and require greater transparency around antisemitism on major online platforms. We're proud to endorse it."

"The Secure Community Network is proud to endorse the Jewish American Security Act. We commend Representatives Goldman and Lawler, as well as Senators Rosen and Lankford, for their bipartisan leadership. Recent threats targeting schools and synagogues, alongside overseas plots, are part of the increasing pattern of violence against the Jewish community. Confronting this threat landscape requires a robust, long-term, federal commitment and partnerships," said Michael Masters, National Director & CEO of Secure Community Network (SCN). "From significantly boosting and expanding crucial NSGP funding to introducing much-needed transparency in online spaces, this bill delivers on core priorities SCN has long advocated for before Congress and alongside law enforcement. We are deeply appreciative of this unified, bipartisan and bicameral effort to ensure that faith-based life across our country can thrive safely and openly."

"At a moment of rising, increasingly-violent antisemitism, it's vital that we invest in whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches that will keep Jewish and all communities safe. The Jewish American Security Act takes important steps forward, like strengthening the Education Department, supporting equal and unbiased Title VI enforcement, helping protect Nonprofit Security Grants from political interference, countering online extremism and hate, and recognizing the inextricable link between Jewish safety and our democracy," said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. "Make no mistake: there is no truly inclusive, pluralistic democracy unless antisemitism is addressed and Jews are safe. So too does Jewish safety require protecting the democratic norms and values that have long protected us - and we will continue to reject the false choice we're too often offered between countering antisemitism and protecting our democracy and our rights."

"No American should need a security perimeter to pray. No American should be afraid to leave their home or visit a cultural center of their choosing. Yet, that is exactly what Jews in this country are experiencing every day," said American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch. "We are at an inflection point. Surging antisemitism is not just a threat to the Jewish community; it is a crisis for our democracy and the values we cherish as Americans - pluralism, religious freedom, and the promise of equal protection. We thank Representatives Goldman and Lawler for their leadership and demonstrating that confronting this hatred is not a political issue, but a moral obligation."

"For decades, ISGAP has examined how antisemitism has evolved into a dangerous ideology that has infiltrated intellectual discourse and campus politics, infecting the mind of many young minds with hate, and anti-democratic and anti-American principles and values. Antisemitism is an ideology increasingly embedded within educational, political, and digital ecosystems. The result is a climate in which harassment, exclusion, and intimidation is normalized impacting on social cohesion, stability, and security for our society as a whole. The Jewish American Security Act is a timely and necessary response to this crisis. It recognizes that combating antisemitism requires more than condemnation after the fact. It requires meaningful action, resources, and accountability. We commend Congressmen Goldman and Lawler for acting with the urgency this moment demands," said Dr. Charles Asher Small, Founding Director and President of ISGAP.

"The American Zionist Movement proudly endorses the Jewish American Security Act (JASA) and commends the bipartisan, bicameral leadership behind this critical legislation. At a time when antisemitism is surging across college campuses, online platforms, and within communities throughout the United States, JASA provides a comprehensive and urgently needed federal response. As the umbrella organization representing the broad spectrum of Zionist organizations in America, AZM believes that ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities is a national responsibility. We urge Congress to advance the Jewish American Security Act and demonstrate a clear commitment to confronting antisemitism wherever it appears. Once it is passed, we stand ready to support community leaders and partner organizations in the implementation of this important legislation," said the American Zionist Movement (AZM).

"Jewish students should not have to navigate intimidation, harassment, and fear simply to get an education. Synagogues cannot open their doors without guards standing watch. Social media companies continue to profit while online hate fuels real world threats. American Jews should not have to live this way," said Daniel Rosen, President of the American Jewish Congress. The Jewish American Security Act ends the excuses by putting real obligations on institutions that have failed Jewish Americans and giving our communities the tools to protect ourselves. We thank Representatives Dan Goldman and Mike Lawler, alongside Senators Jacky Rosen and James Lankford, for their bipartisan leadership on this vital issue. The American Jewish Congress is proud to support this critical legislation and strongly urges every member of Congress to do the same."

"Antisemitism has reached crisis proportions in the US, demanding a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach," said Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America. "Hadassah is proud to support the Jewish American Security Act, critical legislation that would fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, strengthen civil rights protections for Jewish students and study the correlation between online antisemitism and violence against Jews. We thank Senators Rosen and Lankford and Representatives Goldman and Lawler for their bipartisan leadership and urge Congress to act swiftly to safeguard Jewish communities across the country."

"At a time of heightened antisemitism and multi-level threats to the Jewish community, we applaud Representatives Goldman and Lawler for introducing the vital Jewish American Security Act in the House, along with Senators Rosen and Lankford for launching the Senate companion bill," said Rabbi Eric Fusfield, Director of Legislative Affairs at B'nai B'rith International. "The American Jewish community needs this crucial bipartisan legislation to counter the spike in hate incidents and online vitriol that have left us fearful for our everyday safety. We are never stronger than when leaders from both parties come together with civil society and other opinion shapers to promote such valuable tools as security grants, social media transparency, and civil rights protections on campuses. We urge lawmakers of both parties, in both chambers, to give the Jewish American Security Act their full support."

"The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America strongly supports the Jewish American Security Act ("JASA"). Sadly, the American Jewish community is facing an unprecedented wave of antisemitism and that demands an unprecedented response by our government. The JASA is part of such a response and Congress ought to pass it as soon as possible. It will authorize essential funding for NSGP grants to Jewish synagogues and schools, direct the Justice Department to allocate funds to local police to better protect our communities and provide long-overdue, but sensible, protections for Jewish students on college campuses by demanding that their rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act are protected as much as the rights of other students. We thank Representatives Dan Goldman and Mike Lawler for their leadership and partnership on this legislation and look forward to working with them and other allies to have it enacted into law," said Nathan Diament - Executive Director - Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.

"The data is unambiguous: Jewish Americans are under threat in their communities, on their campuses and online, and the federal government must act," said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. "ADL's Audit of Antisemitic Incidents recorded 6,274 incidents in 2025 alone, including 203 physical assaults, the most we have ever recorded, and three murders. The Jewish American Security Act meets this moment with the seriousness it demands. By strengthening the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, bolstering protections for Jewish students, and increasing accountability for online platforms, this bill equips law enforcement, educators, and communities with the tools they need to respond. We commend Representatives Goldman and Lawler for their bipartisan commitment to combating antisemitism and standing up for Jewish Americans, and we urge Congress to pass this legislation without delay."

"No American should need a security perimeter to pray. No American should be afraid to leave their home or visit a cultural center of their choosing. Yet, that is exactly what Jews in this country are experiencing every day," said American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch. "We are at an inflection point. Surging antisemitism is not just a threat to the Jewish community; it is a crisis for our democracy and the values we cherish as Americans - pluralism, religious freedom, and the promise of equal protection. We thank Representatives Goldman and Lawler for their leadership and demonstrating that confronting this hatred is not a political issue, but a moral obligation."

"Jewish communities across the United States are facing a real and growing security crisis, and the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all Americans can gather, worship, and live openly and safely as who they are. Jewish Federations of North America and the communities we represent are deeply grateful to Representatives Goldman and Lawler for co-leading and introducing this landmark security package at a moment when threats, fear, and violence have become part of daily life for far too many Jewish families and institutions. This legislation represents one of the strongest congressional responses we have seen to the alarming rise in antisemitism and targeted violence against the Jewish community. It sends a clear and unmistakable message: protecting Jewish Americans is not optional - it is an urgent national priority. We are proud to support this effort and urge Congress to act swiftly, because no American should have to live in fear simply for being Jewish," said Hon. Eric D. Fingerhut, President and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America.

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Rudy Yakym III (R-IN-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Marc A. Veasey (D-TX-33), Michael T. McCaul (R-TX-10), Haley M. Stevens (D-MI-11), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Daniel Meuser (R-PA-09), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Tom Barrett (R-MI-07), Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL-10), Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA-02), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY-03), Randy K. Weber Sr. (R-TX-14), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08), and John R. Moolenaar (R-MI-02).

The legislation is endorsed by American Jewish Committee, ADL, American Zionist Movement, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America ("Orthodox Union"), Jewish Federations of North America, Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, Secure Community Network, The Rabbinical Assembly, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Jewish Women International, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, JCC Association of North America, the Nexus Project, Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Agudath Israel of America, the Jewish Democratic Council of America, the Republican Jewish Coalition, B'nai B'rith International, and the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy.

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