WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), alongside a bipartisan coalition of Senate colleagues, introduced the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act on May 22, aiming to support the restitution of art stolen by the Nazis during World War II. The legislation seeks justice for Holocaust survivors and their families, addressing lingering challenges in reclaiming stolen works nearly 80 years after the atrocities.
“Eighty years after the Holocaust, we have a moral responsibility to do right by the victims of these atrocities and their families,” Senator Fetterman stated. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan support in addressing the long-standing theft and its ongoing impact.
The Nazis systematically looted hundreds of thousands of artworks during their regime. Although international efforts have continued to return the stolen pieces, more than 100,000 works remain unreturned. Survivors and heirs face significant legal and logistical obstacles, compounded by some institutions’ lack of transparency and obstructive litigation strategies.
The original HEAR Act, passed unanimously in 2016, established a six-year statute of limitations for heirs to claim looted art, beginning only when the location of the art is discovered. However, this provision is set to expire on December 31, 2026. The newly proposed legislation aims to extend and expand the law to ensure claims remain viable.
Key provisions of the HEAR Act include:
- Eliminating the 2026 sunset date, reflecting the unresolved urgency of restitution efforts.
- Bolstering procedural protections, ensuring claims are adjudicated on their merits rather than dismissed due to technicalities.
- Reinforcing access to justice, enabling survivors and their heirs to reclaim what was taken from them.
“The theft of art by the Nazi regime was more than a pilfering of property—it was an act of inhumanity,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a co-lead sponsor of the bill. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) echoed these sentiments, describing the stolen artworks as “witness to a chapter in history when evil persisted and the worst of humanity was on full display.”
Other cosponsors include Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Katie Britt (R-AL). Advocates see the legislation as a necessary step toward justice for Holocaust survivors and their descendants, as well as a reaffirmation of America’s resolve against antisemitism.
The HEAR Act has gained widespread endorsement from organizations such as the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Jewish Federations of North America. By addressing restitution issues and ensuring survivors’ voices are heard, the legislation aims to rectify a dark chapter in history and honor the memory of those affected by the Holocaust.
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