SCHAKOWSKY HAILS PASSAGE OF H.R. 4115, THE U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM AUTHORIZATION ACT

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.