WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that the fiscal year 2010 Homeland Security spending bill includes $20 million in federal funding to help protect high-risk non-profit institutions from terrorist attacks. The spending bill was approved by the full Appropriations Committee this afternoon.

“Last week, a shaken nation saw how our nation’s monuments are often targets of attacks. One man - Stephen T. Johns – made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. that day,” said Senator Mikulski. “We must help protect our hospitals, schools, community centers, synagogues and churches from more attacks.”

The federal funding goes to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness to distribute to high-risk non-profit organizations. The non-profits have used past federal funds for much-needed security enhancements, such as concrete barriers.

“This is a federal investment in added security to help protect organizations at risk,” Senator Mikulski said. “I have fought for these funds in the past, and I will keep fighting to protect institutions that are vital to our communities and the physical, social, spiritual and educational well-being of all Americans.”

This is the third year in a row Senator Mikulski has put this critical funding in the federal checkbook. Last year, Senator Mikulski secured $20 million in fiscal year 2009 funds to protect high-risk non-profit institutions from violence. In fiscal year 2008, she secured $15 million.

“Many of our nation’s non-profit organizations are on the frontlines working hard to develop and nurture communities,” Senator Mikulski said. “They should know that I will continue to be on their side.”

In the next step of the appropriations process, the bill will move to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled.