Countless Holocaust survivors, and their descendants, have been unable to recover their unpaid pre-Holocaust insurance policies.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Rick Scott (R-FL) reintroduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act. The legislation would allow beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies to bring civil action in U.S. district courts against the insurer for the covered policy to recover proceeds due or otherwise enforce any rights under the policy. Rubio first introduced the bill with then-Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) in 2011.
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“The Holocaust remains humanity’s darkest hour, leaving a permanent stain on history for all nations. Congress must continue to do everything it can to ensure the unresolved issue of Holocaust-era property restitution is finally realized. It is unthinkable that a large number of Holocaust-era insurance claims remain unpaid. It is far past time that survivors and their families retrieve what they are rightfully owed.” – Senator Rubio
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“The Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters in human history, and we must continue to support the survivors. Our bipartisan legislation will help empower Holocaust survivors and their families to secure payment from the insurance claims they are owed. I’ll always work to provide Holocaust survivors with resources to live their lives with the dignity they so rightfully deserve.” – Senator Rosen
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“The Holocaust was one of the worst genocides in the history of the world, yet victims’ families and survivors remain unable to benefit from insurance policies taken out decades ago. Our bipartisan, commonsense legislation not only reminds us of the evil inflicted among these people, but it also gives survivors and their beneficiaries the money they are rightfully owed.” – Senator Cramer
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“I’m proud to join my colleagues to reintroduce the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act to continue our support for survivors and their families. The Holocaust is more than a history lesson, it is a stark reminder that evil and hate exist in this world. Our memory and support of all of those who suffered must never weaken. Every generation must heed the call to action in the face of evil, and as U.S. Senator, I will continue to support Israel and take action against those who wish to do them harm.” – Senator Scott
U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the House.
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“Holocaust victims and their families – not insurance companies – are the ones who should be heirs to unpaid policies that were set aside for times of trouble. This legislation would restore the rights of families whose loved ones endured the worst that humanity can inflict on a people.”– Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz
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“The Holocaust was one of the darkest periods of our history and represented the worst of humanity. It is imperative that Congress works together to support survivors and their families. On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will help beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies work to recover these unpaid claims. May we never forget the horrors of the Holocaust and the six million Jews who perished at the hands of the evil Nazi regime. Thank you to my colleagues for working with me to ensure victims of the Holocaust and their families have the resources they rightfully deserve and are owed.” – Congressman Kustoff
