A former senior executive for the FBI who now runs a private security firm is calling on Congress to free up more money for protecting places of worship.

Kevin Kline met with Sen. Richard Blumenthal Sunday at one of several Bridgeport churches boosting their security.

Blumenthal has introduced a measure that would provide millions to help places of worship pay for that kind of upgrade.

Kline says his company, the Aggeris Group, guides the upgrade process.

"We do this by meeting with the leaders of the church, members of the church, synagogue, temple, mosque, we get a full understanding of what their concerns are, what they can afford," he says.

Blumenthal says the kind of work that Kline and other security firms do is absolutely necessary to safeguard the worshipers at synagogues, churches and mosques.

Blumenthal says he will continue urging his colleague to pass the supplemental budget measure containing money for this kind of security.