Salazar’s Bill Honoring Diplomats for Saving Jewish Lives in the Holocaust to Be Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed S.91/H.R. 537, the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act,after the Senate voted to do the same in September. Sponsored by Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY), as well as Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), the legislation awards more than 60 diplomats from around the world with the Congressional Gold Medal for their efforts to save Jews from perishing in the Holocaust. The legislation passed with a veto-proof majority and is now headed to President Biden’s desk awaiting his signature.

“During the brutality of the Holocaust, more than 60 brave diplomats risked their lives to save innocent Jews,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “Both Houses of Congress sent the clear message to the White House that these diplomats deserve recognition for their heroism. The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust bill ensures we never forget these actions and the evil they were fighting against.”

H.R. 537 grants the Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats from around the world who, through various means, saved the lives of Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. In many cases, diplomats would issue passports and travel visas to Jewish families often at great risk to their own lives. These actions alone saved hundreds of thousands of Jewish lives. Since its introduction, the bill has gained the support of nearly 300 legislators in the House of Representatives and over 70 Senators.

As a Subcommittee Chairwoman on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Salazar is one of the top leaders in Congress on fighting the threat of antisemitism worldwide and U.S.-Israel policy. In addition to leading efforts to stop antisemitism in Latin America, she is fighting to protect Israel against existential threats like Iran, replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system, fight Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) policies, strengthen U.S.-Israel cooperation in security and industry, and combat terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

“I am happy to see our bipartisan bill, the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, passed with unanimous support. This legislation honors the brave diplomats who risked their lives to save countless Jewish lives during the Holocaust. In a time when antisemitism is rising, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the Jewish community and ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten. This bill is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting intolerance and honoring those who exemplified true humanity,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres.

“I applaud the House of Representatives for voting today to posthumously honor U.S. and foreign diplomats who risked their lives and careers to assist Jews who were fleeing Nazi tyranny during the Holocaust. As U.S. Senator and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, I am pleased that diplomats who went beyond their official duties to save the lives of so many will be recognized for their courage during a time of unimaginable darkness,” said Senator Bill Hagerty.

“Courageous diplomats from nations across the world took initiative and serious risks to save Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. The Congressional Gold Medal is a small overdue gesture to honor righteous deeds in the most difficult times. As living memory of the Holocaust fades with the passing of 80 years, it will soon be up to us to remember humanity's capacity for evil alongside our capacity for empathy and courage. The duty of remembrance isn't on the Jewish community alone; it is on all of us. I am heartened that this bipartisan legislation has now been passed by the Senate and House and is heading to President Biden’s desk for signature—a small but important step in fulfilling that duty,” said Senator Tim Kaine.

This will be Congresswoman Salazar’s eighth bill signed into law during her two terms in the House of Representatives. Other policies sponsored by Rep. Salazar can be found here.

To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.

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