The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law
WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees, applauded House passage of his Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S.91),legislation to honor 60 World War II-era diplomats from the United States and around the world who risked their careers and, in many instances, their lives to save others during the Holocaust. The bill would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to these diplomats who took heroic actions to save Jews fleeing threats from Nazi Germany, including by issuing passports and travel visas and setting up safehouses and getaways to hide Jews from Nazi authorities. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), and the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is led by Representatives María Salazar (R-FL-27) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15).
“I applaud the House of Representatives for voting today to posthumously honor U.S. and foreign diplomats who risked their lives and careers to assist Jews who were fleeing Nazi tyranny during the Holocaust,” said Senator Hagerty. “As U.S. Senator and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, I am pleased that diplomats who went beyond their official duties to save the lives of so many will be recognized for their courage during a time of unimaginable darkness.”
“Courageous diplomats from nations across the world took initiative and serious risks to save Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe,” said Senator Kaine. “The Congressional Gold Medal is a small overdue gesture to honor righteous deeds in the most difficult times. As living memory of the Holocaust fades with the passing of 80 years, it will soon be up to us to remember humanity’s capacity for evil alongside our capacity for empathy and courage. The duty of remembrance isn’t on the Jewish community alone; it is on all of us. I am heartened that this bipartisan legislation has now been passed by the Senate and House and is heading to President Biden’s desk for signature—a small but important step in fulfilling that duty.”
“During the brutality of the Holocaust, more than 60 brave diplomats risked their lives to save innocent Jews,” said Representative Salazar. “Both Houses of Congress sent the clear message to the White House that these diplomats deserve recognition for their heroism. The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust bill ensures we never forget these actions and the evil they were fighting against.”
“I am happy to see our bipartisan bill, the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, passed with unanimous support,” said Representative Torres. “This legislation honors the brave diplomats who risked their lives to save countless Jewish lives during the Holocaust. In a time when antisemitism is rising, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the Jewish community and ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten. This bill is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting intolerance and honoring those who exemplified true humanity.”
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