8th Bill Signed Into Law: Salazar’s Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act Becomes Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 537/S. 91, Rep. María Elvira Salazar’s (R-FL) Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, into law. This comes shortly after the legislation passed overwhelminglyin the House of Representatives and Senate.

“The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act has been signed by the President of the United States!” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “By recognizing these diplomats for their heroism in World War II, the United States is not only remembering their bravery but is also sending the message to our Jewish community and future generations that we must always stand against oppression.”

H.R. 537/S.91 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. It passed with overwhelming majorities in both Houses of Congress and has now become law.

BACKGROUND:

The passage of the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act is Congresswoman Salazar’s eighth bill to be signed into law. She has legislated on a wide range of issues including growing our economy, helping small businesses, improving mental health services, protecting our environment, promoting fiscal responsibility, and sanctioning foreign dictators.

• The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act to provide economic relief for Floridians.
  • Implemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.
• The Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act to sanction the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua.
  • Signed into law in November 2021.
• The PRICE Act to make it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts.
  • Signed into law in February 2022.
• The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to reauthorize critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • Signed into law in December 2022.
• The REEF Act to incentivize retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America.
  • Signed into law in December 2023.
• The RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act to recover billions in fraudulent government loans and restore fiscal responsibility and government accountability.
  • Implemented by the Biden Administration in December 2023.
• The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act to protect migratory birds and their habitat, which is critical for the Everglades.
  • Signed into law April 2024.
• The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal to recognize diplomats who risked their lives to save Jews from the Holocaust.
  • Signed into law December 2024.

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