Never Again Education Act
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 943) to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 943
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Never Again Education Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States has demonstrated a commitment to remembrance and education about the Holocaust through bilateral relationships and engagement in international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance; the United States works to promote Holocaust education as a means to understand the importance of democratic principles, use and abuse of power, and to raise awareness about the importance of genocide prevention today.
(2) The Congress has played a critical role in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting awareness, including by authorizing the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as an independent establishment of the Federal Government to ensure that ``the study of the Holocaust become part of the curriculum in every school system in the country'', as well as by establishing a national Holocaust Remembrance Day in 1978.
(3) 75 years after the conclusion of World War II, with the decreasing number of eyewitnesses and growing distance of students and their families from this history, it is important to institutionalize education about the events of the Holocaust such as the German Nazis' racist ideology, propaganda, and plan to lead a state to war and, with their collaborators, kill millions--including the systematic murder of 6,000,000 Jewish people; as well as the persecution and murder of millions of others in the name of racial purity, political, ideological, and behavioral grounds, among them Roma, the disabled, the Slavs, Communists, Socialists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals.
(4) As intolerance, antisemitism, and bigotry are promoted by hate groups, Holocaust education provides a context in which to learn about the danger of what can happen when hate goes unchallenged and there is indifference in the face of the oppression of others; learning how and why the Holocaust happened is an important component of the education of citizens of the United States.
(5) Today, those who deny that the Holocaust occurred or distort the true nature of the Holocaust continue to find forums, especially online; this denial and distortion dishonors those who were persecuted, and murdered, making it even more of a national imperative to educate students in the United States so that they may explore the lessons that the Holocaust provides for all people, sensitize communities to the circumstances that gave rise to the Holocaust, and help youth be less susceptible to the falsehood of Holocaust denial and distortion and to the destructive messages of hate that arise from Holocaust denial and distortion.
(6) Currently, 12 States (California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island) require by law that schools teach students about the Holocaust; more schools and teachers, including those in underserved communities, can and should deliver quality Holocaust education.
(7) For more than 30 years, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has worked to build and support the field of Holocaust education, and advance the quality and sustainability of Holocaust education at the local, State, and national levels, by engaging teachers and students across disciplines and grade levels.
(8) The Federal Government, through support for educational activities of national museums established under Federal law, can assist teachers in efforts to incorporate historically accurate instruction on human rights atrocities, including the Holocaust, in curricula. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Antisemitism.--The term ``antisemitism'' means a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,
(3) Eligible program participant.--The term ``eligible program participant'' means--
(A) a high school teacher, a teacher of one of the middle grades, or a school leader of a high school or a school that includes one of the middle grades (as such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
(B) an educational leader or expert who is not employed by a local educational agency (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)) or an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are so defined) that is independent of any local educational agency; or
(C) a prospective teacher enrolled in a program of postsecondary education coursework or preservice clinical education.
(4) Holocaust.--The term ``the Holocaust'' means the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of 6,000,000 Jews by the Nazi regime and its allies and collaborators. During the era of the Holocaust, German authorities also targeted other groups because of their perceived ``racial inferiority'', such as Roma, the disabled, and Slavs. Other groups were persecuted on political, ideological, and behavioral grounds, among them Communists, Socialists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals.
(5) Holocaust denial and distortion.--The term ``Holocaust denial and distortion'' means discourse and propaganda that deny the historical reality and the extent of the extermination of the Jews by the Nazis and their accomplices during World War II, known as the Holocaust. Holocaust denial refers specifically to any attempt to claim that the Holocaust did not take place. Holocaust distortion refers to efforts to excuse or minimize the events of the Holocaust or its principal elements, including collaborators and allies of Nazi Germany, to blame the Jews for causing their own genocide, or to portray the Holocaust as a positive historical event.
(6) Holocaust education center.--The term ``Holocaust education center'' means an institution that furthers the teaching and learning about the Holocaust by offering programs for students and training for teachers and other types of professional leadership audiences.
(7) Holocaust education program.--The term ``Holocaust education program'' means a program that has as its specific and primary purpose to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and educate individuals on the lessons of the Holocaust as a means to raise awareness about the importance of preventing genocide, hate, and bigotry against any group of people. SEC. 4. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2021 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
(b) Donations, Gifts, Bequests, and Devises of Property.-- In accordance with chapter 23 of title 36, United States Code, and in furtherance of the purposes of this Act, the Director is authorized to solicit, accept, hold, administer, invest, and use donated funds and gifts, bequests, and devises of property, both real and personal.
(c) Use of Funds.--The Director, using funds appropriated under subsection (a) and resources received under subsection (b), and including through the engagement of eligible program participants as appropriate--
(1) shall develop and nationally disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote understanding about how and why the Holocaust happened, which shall include digital resources and may include other types of resources, such as print resources and traveling exhibitions; and
(2) may carry out one or more of the following Holocaust education program activities:
(A) Development, dissemination, and implementation of principles of sound pedagogy for teaching about the Holocaust.
(B) Provision of professional development for eligible program participants, such as through--
(i) local, regional, and national workshops;
(ii) teacher trainings in conjunction with Holocaust education centers and other appropriate partners;
(iii) engagement with--
(I) local educational agencies (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 21 7801)); and
(II) high schools and schools that include one of the middle grades (as so defined) that are independent of any local educational agency; and
(iv) operation and expansion of a teacher fellowship program to cultivate and support leaders in Holocaust education.
(C) Engagement with State and local education leaders to encourage the adoption of resources supported under this Act into curricula across diverse disciplines.
(D) Evaluation and research to assess the effectiveness and impact of Holocaust education programs, which may include completion of the report required under section 8.
(d) Applications.--The Director may seek the engagement of an eligible program participant under subsection (c) by requiring submission of an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and based on such competitive criteria as the Director may require. SEC. 5. ONLINE HOLOCAUST EDUCATION RESOURCES.
(a) Website.--The Director shall maintain on the website of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum a special section designated for Holocaust education resources to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and educate individuals on the lessons of the Holocaust as a means to raise awareness about the importance of preventing genocide, hate, and bigotry against any group of people. The website and resources shall be made publically available.
(b) Information Distribution.--The Director shall distribute information about the activities funded under this Act through the website of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and shall respond to inquiries for supplementary information concerning such activities.
(c) Best Practices.--The information distributed by the Director shall include best practices for educators. SEC. 6. UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL COUNCIL.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Council established under section 2302 of title 36, United States Code, shall have governance responsibility for the programs and activities carried out under this Act in accordance with chapter 23 of title 36, United States Code. SEC. 7. ENGAGEMENT OF ELIGIBLE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS.
(a) In General.--An eligible program participant shall be engaged at the discretion of the Director to participate in Holocaust education program activities authorized under this Act and approved by the Director pursuant to an application described in section 4(d).
(b) Engagement Period.--Engagement of eligible program participants under this Act shall be for a period determined by the Director.
(c) Priority.--In engaging eligible program participants under section 4, the Director shall give priority to applications from such participants who work for or with a local educational agency, or a school that is independent of any local educational agency, that does not, at the time application is made, offer any Holocaust education programming. SEC. 8. ANNUAL REPORT.
Not later than February 1 of each year, the Director shall submit to the Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this Act.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. 943, the Never Again Education Act.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in support of H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, introduced by my colleague, Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
The Never Again Education Act will help ensure the atrocities of the Holocaust are never repeated. It will authorize $10 million over 5 years for a new program to help teach the Holocaust in schools. The program will be run by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which will develop curricula, train teachers, and partner with local organizations to promote Holocaust education.
The Holocaust was the systematic and state-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews and an additional 5 million others who the Nazis deemed inferior. Yet, while it might seem hard for the older generations to believe, many younger Americans today do not know the basic facts about the Holocaust.
A new study from the Pew Research Center found that half of Americans know that 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The research found that education and trips to Holocaust museums directly impact respondents' knowledge. The figures highlight the need for greater Holocaust education in America.
Today, anti-Semitism is on the rise. I hosted an event last week with leaders of the Jewish community and law enforcement. They talked about their security concerns, and they made a pledge to stand up for others by challenging bigotry in any form.
We must speak out against hate and educate one another to prevent and stop the rise of anti-Semitism.
Soon, younger generations will not be able to hear from Holocaust survivors, as we have firsthand. They will depend on their schools and their teachers to learn the facts.
We were recently in Belgium on a trip led by Speaker Pelosi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, where over 19,000 Americans were killed in that battle, joining with the Allies to fight against hate and evil.
We won, and after World War II, we said, ``Never again.'' But we realize this struggle continues, and it is very real today.
On the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, I urge my fellow Members to support the Never Again Education Act and keep the lessons of the Holocaust alive.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the lead sponsor of the bill.
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and for his incredible leadership.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, which has over 300 cosponsors.
On this day, 75 years ago, Auschwitz-Birkenau was finally liberated, but not before more than 1 million people were murdered there. We mark this day International Holocaust Remembrance Day as we witness the rise of anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry across our country and around the world.
In fact, we observe this day of remembrance just weeks after a rise of violent anti-Semitic attacks in New York, including an attack at a rabbi's home during the festival of Hanukkah.
An Anti-Defamation League report recorded that over 1,800 of these acts happened in 2018 alone. And yet, as we speak out against these attacks and stand against hate with our Jewish communities, we are also called to act.
Condemnation alone is not enough. We need to do all we can to create communities in which these incidents don't happen in the first place.
We need to make a better future, one of understanding, acceptance, and mutual respect.
We must make sure our children and students understand the dangers of rising anti-Semitism.
In the resolution establishing today as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the United Nations asked each member Nation to ``develop educational programs that will inculcate future generations with the lessons of the Holocaust in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.''
As a former teacher, I know that our children are not born with hate in their hearts, and it is up to us to make sure that they never learn it.
We need to give our teachers the resources they need to teach about the Holocaust and the dangers of bigotry and hate. This is not an easy subject matter for our students to understand, and our teachers need support, lesson plans, guest speakers, and training.
So along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I introduced H.R. 943, which will expand the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's already impressive educational programs by requiring the museum to develop and disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust, and educate individuals on the lessons as a means to promote the importance of preventing genocide, hate, and bigotry against any group of people.
By providing $10 million over 5 years to support key programs like having traveling exhibits, expanding a centralized website, a database, where educators can find curriculum and lessons plans that are appropriate for every age group; to develop and disseminate and implement principles of sound instruction; and to increase engagement with State and local education leaders.
This was a huge effort over 20 years. I first introduced this bill in 1999, and I have been working on it in a bipartisan way ever since.
I particularly want to thank the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Hadassah, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Anti- Defamation League for all of their work that they have done, not only to support Holocaust education, but to support the passage of this bill.
I especially want to thank my coleads on this bill, Representatives Stefanik, Bacon, and Carbajal for all of their hard work in gaining the 300 cosponsors.
As we recommit ourselves to the promise of ``never again,'' I am reminded that the lessons of the Holocaust do not apply just to anti- Semitism but to all forms of hate and bigotry. I can think of no better way to honor the memories of those murdered than to make sure our students know their stories, for if we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.
Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote together in support of this legislation. I thank all of my colleagues who have signed on to this legislation for their support, especially Chairman Scott for his leadership and support. I thank my own staff, particularly Kelly Hennessy, and the staff of Chairman Scott.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch).
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Florida an additional 30 seconds.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider).
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Illinois an additional 15 seconds.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on either side, please.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi).
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Right up the road from where I live in New Jersey, there is a woman, Rosalie Simon, a Holocaust survivor, who settled there right after World War II. She returned this past week to Auschwitz for the first time since she was a prisoner there in 1945, when she was 12 years old. She said the following:
I want to go back as a survivor and look back on what I went through. I want to go back as a human being, not as an inmate.
We must honor Rosalie and many like her and all of the survivors and victims by supporting H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten and never repeated.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I express support for H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. Today, January 27, marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, as well as the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. We, as a society, have an enduring obligation to not only educate ourselves, but also future generations, on the atrocities that took place from 1933 to 1945 so that they are never repeated again. As Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel stated, ``For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive.''
Since its opening in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has served as a reminder for the American public, as well as all other visitors to Washington, DC, on the horrors suffered during the Holocaust, in which Adolf Hitler systematically persecuted and murdered six million Jews. H.R. 943, introduced by my good friends Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Elise Stefanik, would reinforce the work the Holocaust Memorial Museum performs by providing school systems around the country access to resources to incorporate Holocaust educational materials into their curriculums. This legislation will help ensure our nation's next generation never forgets the horrible actions the Nazis committed, and is better prepared to fight efforts like this in the future.
Unfortunately, almost 75 years after the end of World War II, anti- Semitism still exists today, with cases of violence and harassment frequently in the news. It is my hope that the Never Again Education Act will help stem the tide of this cowardice and bigotry.
Once again, I applaud the House of Representatives for taking up this vital piece of legislation, and look forward to working with my colleagues to promote religious tolerance in the U.S.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source