Federal penalties for bomb threats and other credible threats of violence against religious institutions will be increased under a new bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN).

The bill was passed by the Judiciary Committee last month, and passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a vote of 402-2 Monday.

“Across our country, too many people have been subjected to hate, violence and threats because of the religion they practice,” said Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat from Washington’s 6th District.

“People who have come to a religious community center to take a class, exercise or support their neighbors have faced bomb threats and violence. With this bill, our government is saying with one voice: ‘Enough is enough,’” Kilmer said.

The bill was cosponsored by an additional 40 members of the House. Supporters of the bill note that in 2017 alone, more than 160 bomb threats and other threats of violence have been made against Jewish Community Centers across America.

Many places of worship were forced to temporarily close their doors after the threats, and families who rely on their services, such as school and early-childhood education programs, were forced to choose between their safety and their faith community.

“The dramatic rise in threats against religious institutions is deeply disturbing and makes it clear that existing federal laws do not suitably deter these acts of hate,” said Kustoff, a Memphis Republican who represents Tennessee’s 8th District.

“We must stand united against acts of hate and protect the rights of all Americans to worship freely and without fear. I am proud that our bipartisan bill today passed in the House,” Kustoff added. “I look forward to the Senate’s consideration, so we can send this important legislation to President Trump’s desk.”

The bipartisan legislation amends the Church Arson Prevention Act to ensure that individuals who make bomb threats and other credible threats of violence against community religious centers will now carry a penalty of up to three years of imprisonment if any violations of the statute results in the damage or destruction to religious property.