Story perspectives

Senate Boosts Religious Security Funding to $1 B

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 19, 2026, Senators James Lankford and Jacky Rosen introduced a Senate proposal that would raise Program funding from $300 million to $1 billion and extend grants to religious communities.
The bill would allow the new funds for cameras, metal detectors and security staff.
Attacks on an Islamic Center and Temple Israel in Michigan have raised safety concerns.
Officials urge removal of Trump-era grant bans on DEI, boycotts and aid to undocumented immigrants.

History

Historical Context

The April 19 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, carried out by Timothy McVeigh, killed 168 people and prompted President Bill Clinton to declare a federal emergency. In response, Congress passed the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 and spent over $600 million upgrading security barriers at federal sites, establishing a lasting federal building protection framework.

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Story summary

On May 19, 2026, Senators James Lankford and Jacky Rosen introduced a Senate proposal that would raise Program funding from $300 million to $1 billion and extend grants to religious communities.
The bill would allow the new funds for cameras, metal detectors and security staff.
Attacks on an Islamic Center and Temple Israel in Michigan have raised safety concerns.
Officials urge removal of Trump-era grant bans on DEI, boycotts and aid to undocumented immigrants.

1 / 2