Omaha, Neb.— Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement today after the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, a bipartisan bill that provides our nation’s teachers with the resources and training they need to teach our children the important lessons of the Holocaust and the consequences of intolerance and hate. The bill overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives on January 27, 2020.

“The Never Again Education Act will provide the fundamental resources, education, and training for teachers and students and will encourage us to live in a world that respects religion, race, and human life. Anti-Semitism is increasing in our country, and as a lead cosponsor for the GOP side, we must remember that the fight against this kind of hatred is an American endeavor and does not belong to Republicans or Democrats. As we recently commemorated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, one of the darkest chapters in human history, I thank the Senate for passing this vital legislation, and I am grateful to be a cosponsor and work alongside Rep. Maloney to push this bill through Congress. We must never forget so that “never again” will be the reality."

Lead sponsor of H.R. 943, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), has advocated for this bill for nearly two decades and has pushed for this passage with the help of several House members.

“Combatting hate and intolerance must always be a priority and I’m glad that the Senate agrees. Passing this bill by unanimous consent today sends a strong message that the Congress is overwhelmingly united in combatting antisemitism and hate through education. Children are not born with hate in their hearts, it is up to us to make sure they never learn it,” said Rep. Maloney. “To do that, we must make sure our educators have the tools they need to teach about the Holocaust, an incredibly difficult subject to teach and for students to understand. I want to thank Senators Rosen, Cramer, Rubio, and Blumenthal for moving this bill so quickly through the Senate and their partnership in this effort.”

“This critical, bipartisan legislation is a proactive measure to educate and provide states and schools with the resources necessary to incorporate Holocaust education into their classrooms, ensuring that all students understand the evils of Holocaust and its impact,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), lead cosponsor of H.R. 943. “I was honored to co-lead this bill through its passage in the House, and I applaud the Senate for passing it today to reaffirm Congress’ commitment to Holocaust survivors across our country. I am looking forward to the President signing this legislation into law.”

Leaders from Omaha’s Jewish community also commented on the passage.

“The Institute for Holocaust Education is very appreciative to Congressman Bacon and his staff for assisting in moving the Never Again Education Act into law,” said Scott Littky, Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education. “The lessons learned from the Holocaust are still very relevant today and can be used to make our world a better place."

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