[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REAUTHORIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS CANNON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation to reauthorize 
the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This spring will mark 7 
years of success for the Museum, which is visited by millions of people 
each year through its acclaimed exhibitions, education opportunities, 
publications, and outreach programs. Created by a unanimous act of 
Congress in 1980, the Museum continues to receive strong support and 
recognition.
  In addition to its primary mission of advancing and communicating 
knowledge of Holocaust history, the Museum offers an opportunity for 
its visitors to reflect upon the moral and spiritual questions raised 
by the Holocaust. The success of the Museum clearly demonstrates the 
public's deep interest in contemplating and gaining valuable lessons 
from the Holocaust.
  Some of the key accomplishments that illustrate the exceptional 
success of the Museum over the past 7 years include:
  Nearly 14 million visitors, of which 3.7 million have been children. 
In addition, 61 heads of state have visited, along with 2,000 foreign 
officials from 130 nations.
  In response to public demand, the development of educational and 
scholarly outreach, with the Museum sponsoring travel exhibitions in 27 
cities over the past several years.
  Over 1.5 million visits to its web site each year.
  Educational materials and programs serving 25,000 educators across 
the United States annually.
  Recognition internationally as a center for Holocaust research and 
remembrance. There continues to be a dramatic growth in its 
collections, including more than 35,000 artifacts, 12 million pages of 
archival documents, 65,000 photographic images, oral histories from 
over 6,000 individuals, a library of over 30,000 volumes in 18 
languages, and a renowned registry of Holocaust survivors and their 
families with a total of 165,000 listings.
  Invaluable references service to the public, with the Museum's 
archival, photo, historian's office, and library staff responding to 
over 18,000 requests each year for information, guidance, and services.
  These exceptional accomplishments clearly demonstrate the Museum's 
extraordinary adherence to public service and the success it has 
achieved both on the National Mall and across the United States. The 
passage of time continues to deepen the urgency and importance of the 
Museum's role in the United States and its powerful mission of carrying 
the legacy of Holocaust remembrance, education, and conscience forward 
into the 21st century. With its commitment to education and service, 
this Museum is key to strengthening our ability to understand history's 
painful lessons, to helping us overcome the worst of human impulses, 
and to improving our future.
  As a member of the Museum's Council I am proud to introduce this 
legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me, and the 24 original 
cosponsors, in supporting the mission of the United States Holocaust 
Memorial Museum and its enduring role in our society.

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