WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s provisions to expand Holocaust education nationwide and prevent the Delaware Water Gap’s reclassification as a National Park passed the House, as part of the FY25 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill, which passed by a vote of 210-205, determines funding for the Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Park Service, and other arts & culture organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts.

Gottheimer’s first amendment directs $5 million in funding to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to study Holocaust education efforts in public schools nationwide. It builds upon Gottheimer’s longstanding, bipartisan work to strengthen Holocaust education with the HEAL Act. 

Gottheimer’s second amendment will prevent the National Park Service from designating any part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as a National Park. Gottheimer has worked closely with local officials and community leaders across the Fifth District for years to block any redesignation of the Delaware Water Gap over capacity concerns.

“I am proud to have two of my amendments, focused on Holocaust education and the preservation of the Delaware Water Gap, included in the House’s interior & environment appropriations package. My amendment on Holocaust education reflects my belief that we must teach future generations about the evil of the Holocaust to combat the surging antisemitism that we see nationwide. Beyond that, my Delaware Water Gap amendment reflects the conversations that I’ve had with local leaders and constituents for years,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that our country stands against hate and that North Jersey’s interests are represented in the halls of Congress.” 

###