Brian Mast: “A few weeks ago, I spoke in this Chamber about the threats made against Jewish community centers across this country. I…”

“A few weeks ago, I spoke in this Chamber about the threats made against Jewish community centers across this country. I rise today because, this week, we have taken bipartisan action to address these threats. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility not only to speak out against hate, but to take real action to put an end to bigotry and violence. This week, I joined with a bipartisan group of my colleagues introducing the Faith-Based Community Center Protection Act. I also want to thank Senator Heinrich for his leadership on this issue in the Senate. Our bill provides over $20 million in additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security specifically dedicated to safeguarding faith-based community centers, and it would double the Federal penalty against making bomb threats from 5 years to 10 years. Think about that, bomb threats from just 5 years to 10 years. These are commonsense changes, and this is a simple, affordable solution to a very serious problem. Mr. Speaker, today I am calling on my colleagues to join us as defenders of human dignity because it is the decent, humane thing to do. ____________________”