WASHINGTON,
D.C. – I am proud to join my colleagues today in support of H.R. 4115,
the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Authorization. This bill builds
upon and continues the legacy of my predecessor Representative Sidney Yates
whose hard work led to the passage of legislation establishing the Holocaust
Memorial Council in the 96th Congress.
The
vision of Congressman Yates and so many others has translated into a powerful,
successful, and beautiful testament to the lives that were lost to the
Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. And what
a testament the Museum is. With about 12 million visitors every year,
the museum has served as an incredible teaching tool, as well as a place
of peace where people can go to remember those who were lost. Along
with the great success of the facility here in Washington, the Museum does
substantial outreach to schools and communities throughout the nation.
The traveling exhibits of the Museum have brought the lessons of the Holocaust
to those who are unable to visit the nation’s Capital. The Museum
also provides materials for teachers who devote class time to Holocaust
commemoration. Anyone, who has visited the Museum or one of its traveling
exhibits understands the important role they play and the important lessons
they can teach to all Americans.
The
Holocaust Memorial Council has also helped guide this body in observance
of the Days of Remembrance every year when we take time in the nation’s
Capital to commemorate the Holocaust.
The
bill that was passed today makes permanent the authorization of such sums
as necessary for the Museum to continue to operate. Besides going
through the formality of making this funding permanent today, we are making
an important statement. With passage of this legislation, the members of
this body are saying to the nation and to the world that we will never
forget and that we will continue to teach our children and our children’s
children that what happened during one of the world’s darkest and most
tragic chapters in history must never again be tolerated. |