[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SIMON WIESENTHAL HOLOCAUST EDUCATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today, I am pleased to re-introduce the 
Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Act, along with Representatives 
Ackerman, Berman, and Higgins. Named after a survivor of the Nazi death 
camps who dedicated his life to documenting the crimes of the 
Holocaust, the legislation would provide federal grants to Holocaust 
organizations to teach today's students about the Holocaust. I thank my 
friend Senator Menendez for introducing the Senate companion bill this 
week as we commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day.
  I also want to take this opportunity to remember our dear friend and 
colleague Chairman Tom Lantos, who passed away last year. The only 
Holocaust survivor elected to Congress, Tom translated his horrific 
experience into a lifetime commitment to Holocaust education and the 
fight against anti-Semitism.
  As the generations who survived the Holocaust pass away, we must make 
sure that new generations know the horrors of that terrible time. We 
must also make sure that those who would deny the existence of the 
Holocaust do not have the ability to rewrite history.
  Unfortunately, many young people around the country have not learned 
about the Holocaust because their schools do not have the funds or 
tools to teach about this tragic event in world history. We need 
programs in our schools that allow students to learn about the 
consequences of intolerance and hate.
  The most effective way to counter prejudice, hate crimes and violence 
is through education: the best investment a society can make towards 
ensuring tolerance.
  The Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act is a positive 
step toward that end.

                          ____________________