May 27, 2025
AUSTIN – A group of U.S. Senators has introduced a bill aimed at aiding the recovery of art confiscated by the Nazis during World War II. The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act is spearheaded by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Katie Britt (R-AL).
“The artwork wrongfully ripped from Jewish hands during the Holocaust bears witness to a chapter in history when evil persisted and the worst of humanity was on full display,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support the Jewish people and Holocaust survivors by helping them recover art confiscated by the Nazis that they are rightfully owed and give them the justice and restitution they deserve.”
Senator Blumenthal stated, “The theft of art by the Nazi regime was more than a pilfering of property—it was an act of inhumanity. Our bipartisan effort seeks to strengthen measures to bring long overdue justice to families whose cherished art was brazenly stolen by the Nazis.”
“This legislation helps to right a historic wrong committed during one of the darkest chapters in history,” added Senator Tillis. “By eliminating unnecessary legal obstacles, the HEAR Act establishes a clear path to restitution for Holocaust survivors and their families, ensuring that art and cultural property stolen by the Nazis can finally be returned to their rightful owners.”
Senator Booker highlighted ongoing efforts: “Despite decades’ long efforts by the United States and allies to return Nazi-looted art to Holocaust victims and their heirs, over 100,000 works of art have yet to be recovered and returned to their rightful owners. I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn in introducing this important bill that updates federal law to ensure that survivors and their heirs finally regain possession of their stolen art.”
Senator Blackburn emphasized fairness: “Hundreds of thousands of pieces of artwork were taken from the Jewish people during the Holocaust, and survivors in the United States should not be unfairly barred from claiming artwork that is theirs. The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act would ensure Holocaust survivors and their heirs have a fair opportunity to recover artwork stolen from them by resolving claims based on merits.”
“Eighty years after the Holocaust, we have a moral responsibility to do right by victims of these atrocities and their families,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m grateful to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing the HEAR Act to help return artwork stolen by Nazis to its rightful owners.”
Senator Schmitt noted, “Stealing artwork from Jewish families during the Holocaust wasn’t just an act of thievery; it was meant to dehumanize victims. Decades later many families are still seeking justice, and it’s time we help Holocaust survivors recover cherished art that is rightfully theirs.”
“The HEAR Act empowers Holocaust survivors and their families,” added Senator Britt. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill that would clarify intent—honoring individuals whose property was stolen or sold over 80 years ago.”
The HEAR Act addresses issues with returning Nazi-looted artworks which remain unresolved despite previous efforts since Congress passed an earlier version in 2016.
Key provisions include removing expiration dates for claims under current law set before December 31st next year while strengthening procedural protections so cases aren’t dismissed based on technicalities rather than merit alone.
This initiative has garnered endorsements from numerous organizations including Art Ashes; Agudath Israel America; American Jewish Committee; Anti-Defamation League; Bet Tzedek House Justice among others.
