In a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, a bipartisan group of House members reiterated concerns previously communicated to his predecessor about new conditions attached by the Trump administration to funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

The lawmakers, led by Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY), said that the 2026 NSGP application “maintains these concerning new compliance requirements” as well as adds a new provision allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to terminate grant awards “for convenience” if it determines that the grants do not advance the “national interest.”

The conditions about which lawmakers had previously raised concerns would have tied grant funding to cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

“This vague and expansive standard gives applicants little guidance about what is expected of them and raises concerns about mid-project terminations without warning,” the lawmakers wrote. “As NSGP requires organizations to front the costs of their security projects, the possibility of mid-award termination and, therefore, no reimbursement, may deter applicants from accepting the grant, leaving their institution vulnerable to attack.”

They noted that they had raised the issue in February with Mullin’s predecessor, then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, urging Noem to clarify or waive the new conditions, which they said would “divert limited funds and burden the institutions the NSGP is meant to protect.” 

Noem, they continued, told them the same month that FEMA was working to develop specific guidance for NSGP including particular examples applicable to faith-based nonprofits. But, the lawmakers said, that guidance has yet to be issued.

“We have always believed that NSGP should be as streamlined and effective as possible, with minimal red tape and compliance requirements focused squarely on security,” the lawmakers said. “You rightly expressed this same belief during your confirmation hearing. That is why we urge you to revise the FY 2026 NOFO and issue new guidance that removes or waives terms and conditions unrelated to the security of grant recipients, eliminates the new overly broad termination authority and ensures that the NSGP remains accessible to all eligible faith-based and community organizations.”

The letter highlights the string of attacks on Jewish institutions and Jewish communities in recent years, emphasizing the importance of the funds.

“I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Tenney to push back against onerous new rules that make our synagogues, churches, and mosques less safe. We will continue to root out hate and discrimination in all forms, so everyone can observe their faith safely and without threat of harm,” Schneider said in a statement.

“As threats against houses of worship and community organizations continue to rise, it is important that these institutions have confidence that the program will provide the support they were awarded. Our letter encourages DHS to provide that certainty by ensuring the program remains focused on its core mission of enhancing security for vulnerable communities,” Tenney said in a statement.

The Anti-Defamation League also expressed support for the letter.

“As antisemitism and threats against faith communities remain at historic levels, NSGP is more essential than ever to help at-risk communities protect themselves from threats,” Lauren Wolman, senior director of government relations & strategy at the ADL, said in a statement. “We are grateful to Representatives Schneider and Tenney for their bipartisan leadership in championing this lifesaving program and ensuring organizations can access those resources quickly, with confidence, and without unnecessary delays.”