Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 91, the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, sponsored by Senator Hagerty.

With this bill, we are honoring 60 diplomats from around the world in recognition of their brave and vital service of saving Jewish people during World War II.

When Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime were implementing a horrific mass murder of the Jewish population in Germany, a handful of diplomats from around the world stepped forward to assist the Jewish community, risking expulsion if discovered.

Many of these diplomats also had strict orders from their home countries to not aid the Jewish population. Despite threats to their careers and livelihoods, these diplomats used the means at their disposal to help the Jewish community. They issued passports and travel visas, contrary to the instruction of their home countries, saving hundreds of thousands of Jewish families in Europe.

The diplomats also connected with local populations to set up safe houses and getaways to hide people, specifically Jewish children, from Nazi authorities. Every diplomat was aware of the dangers yet continued with their efforts to save the Jewish population.

Several diplomats confronted the Nazis directly on behalf of the Jews, personally putting themselves in immediate danger. The diplomats displayed bravery and heroism throughout the Holocaust and risked their careers and livelihoods to carry out this humanitarian mission.

Today, we will vote to present them with our highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, this important bill will posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats in recognition of their brave and vital service of saving Jewish people during World War II.

We should all be grateful for and inspired by their sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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