Members of Congress led by U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney are asking the Department of Homeland Security to remove a provision that lawmakers say could leave nonprofit organizations responsible for security costs after a federal grant is terminated.
Tenney, a Republican representing New York's 24th Congressional District, and Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois sent a letter asking DHS to revise its fiscal 2026 guidance for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The program reimburses eligible faith-based organizations and nonprofits for security improvements such as surveillance cameras and access-control systems. Grant recipients pay for projects before seeking federal reimbursement.
According to Tenney's office, the new guidance would allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to end an approved grant without reimbursing a recipient for agreed-upon improvements. The lawmakers said that possibility could create financial uncertainty and discourage organizations from participating.
The letter asks DHS to remove the provision and preserve the program's focus on protecting organizations facing targeted threats. Tenney said houses of worship and community organizations need confidence that approved support will be available when they make security investments.
The Anti-Defamation League endorsed the lawmakers' request in the release. The announcement did not include a response from DHS or FEMA.
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