US House overwhelmingly passes Holocaust Education Act
Bipartisan bill allocates $10 million for expansion of US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s education programming
By OMRI NAHMIASHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) administers the oath of office to House members and delegates of the U.S. House of Representatives at the start of the 116th Congress inside the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 3, 2019(photo credit: KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS)
WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives voted on Monday to pass the Never Again Education Act in support of Holocaust education in the US. The legislation passed as the world commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.The bill establishes a federal program and fund to award Holocaust education grants to educational institutions that offer classes, resources, teacher training and student field trips. It authorizes $10 million for the expansion of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s education programs for teachers across the country over five years. The museum is required to develop content to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust.Funding provided in the bill may also be used to support teachers who want to bring the lessons into their classrooms, according to a statement by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York), who sponsored the bill.“As we recommit ourselves to the promise of ‘Never Again’ on this 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, I am reminded that the lessons of the Holocaust do not just apply to antisemitism – but to all forms of hate and bigotry, and I can think of no better way to honor the memories of those murdered than to make sure our students know their names and their stories,” she said. “If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. I urge the Senate to act quickly on this bill.”Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the urgency of Holocaust education is greater than ever, as we see a surge of appalling antisemitic and other hate crimes.“I salute Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney for her leadership on this bipartisan legislation to support and strengthen the Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Holocaust education efforts, so that we can fulfill our sacred pledge: Never Again,” she said in the statement.Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York), the lead co-sponsor of the bill, said she was proud to co-sponsor the legislation.“As we continue to condemn horrific acts of antisemitism across the world, we must also take proactive measures to educate and provide states and schools with the resources necessary to incorporate Holocaust education into their classrooms, ensuring that all students understand the evils of Holocaust and its impact,” she said.Hadassah CEO and executive director Janice Weinman said: “Today’s historic vote is a turning point in America’s commitment to combating hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism. The House has affirmed the value of Holocaust education and made a commitment to building more tolerant communities. Educators deserve our full support in their efforts to instill the Holocaust’s universal and timeless lessons in every generation. We congratulate Congresswoman Maloney for leading this fight and thank the House for its bipartisan support in approving the Never Again Education Act.”Christian United for Israel (CUFI) founder and chairman Pastor John Hagee said: “Combating the rise of antisemitism sweeping across the country is a top CUFI priority, and one of the fundamental ways in which we can combat this scourge is through education. Sadly, Americans know far too little about the Holocaust, and such ignorance enables antisemitism to rear its ugly head. We must ensure the next generation understands the history and horrors of antisemitism, and this legislation is a solid step in that direction.”
