North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Katie Porter (D-CA), and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) have introduced the Pray Safe Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the increasing number of attacks against places of worship in America. The legislation, which also has companion legislation in the Senate led by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), aims to establish a federal resource for nonprofits and places of worship to access information on best practices to keep their organizations safe and secure.

In the wake of the recent rise in antisemitism following a terrorist attack by Hamas against the State of Israel, the Pray Safe Act seeks to provide a centralized source of federal help, information, and grants to protect places of worship. The legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Federal Clearinghouse, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, to serve as a central repository for nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship to access safety and security standards, federal resources, and grant information.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, one of the co-leaders of the bill, emphasized the importance of protecting Americans in their places of worship, stating, "Americans must be protected in their place of worship. 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. Katie Porter also highlighted the need for federal partnership to ensure the safety of faith communities, stating, "Too often, our places of worship are targets for individuals filled with hate. 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."

Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. emphasized the importance of enhancing security measures for places of worship and faith-based organizations, stating, "The Pray Safe Act will enhance the security and safety measures for houses of worship, faith-based organizations, and other non-profits. Establishing a federal clearinghouse will allow these organizations to access information on safety and security best practices, available federal grant programs, and training opportunities. No one should feel unsafe or threatened in their place of worship."

Rep. Salazar is known for her advocacy in defending religious liberty both at home and abroad. As Chairwoman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, she has been vocal in criticizing leaders in Latin America who promote antisemitism and has introduced legislation to fight antisemitism in the United States. She has also condemned the persecution of Catholics by the Ortega regime in Nicaragua.

The introduction of the Pray Safe Act is a crucial step in protecting places of worship and safeguarding religious liberty. By establishing a federal clearinghouse and providing access to information and resources, the legislation aims to enhance the security and safety measures for faith communities across the country. With bipartisan support, the bill has the potential to combat hate and ensure that no one feels unsafe or threatened in their place of worship.