In a strong show of support for Holocaust survivors, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Rick Scott (R-FL) have reintroduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of unpaid pre-Holocaust insurance policies. The bill will enable beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies to bring civil action in U.S. district courts against insurance providers to recover proceeds or enforce their rights under the policies. This legislation was first introduced in 2011 by Senator Rubio and then-Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).
Countless Holocaust survivors and their descendants have been unable to recover the unpaid insurance policies taken out before the Holocaust. The proposed legislation aims to rectify this by providing Holocaust survivors and their families with the resources and dignity they deserve.
The Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act has received strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, signaling a united front in addressing this historical injustice. Senators Rubio, Rosen, Cramer, and Scott have all expressed their commitment to ensuring that Holocaust survivors and their families receive what they are rightfully owed.
Senator Rick Scott took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the Holocaust and the importance of supporting those who suffered. He tweeted, “The Holocaust is more than a history lesson. It’s a stark reminder that evil & hate exist in this world. Our memory & support of all of those who suffered must never weaken. Every generation must heed the call to action in the face of evil, & as U.S. Senator, I’ll continue to support Israel & take action against those who wish to do them harm.”
The Holocaust is more than a history lesson. It's a stark reminder that evil & hate exist in this world.
Our memory & support of all of those who suffered must never weaken. Every generation must heed the call to action in the face of evil, & as U.S. Senator, I'll continue to… https://t.co/PudAcdxN4k
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 19, 2023
In response, the Consul General of Israel in Miami, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, expressed his gratitude for Senator Scott’s support, tweeting, “Thank you @SenRickScott for your staunch support.”
Thank you @SenRickScott for your staunch support. https://t.co/yDEbsjbJll
— Maor Elbaz-Starinsky (@ElbazStarinsky) April 19, 2023
In the House of Representatives, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and David Kustoff (R-TN) have introduced companion legislation. Both representatives have emphasized the importance of supporting Holocaust survivors and their families in recovering unpaid insurance claims.
The Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023 aims to:
- Allow enforcement of state laws requiring disclosure of information about Holocaust-era insurance policies.
- Facilitate disclosure of information about Holocaust-era insurance policies so beneficiaries may know their rights under the policies.
- Create a new Federal private cause of action and subject matter jurisdiction to allow beneficiaries to bring suits in U.S. courts to recover proceeds or enforce rights under the policies.
- Foreclose defenses to claims brought under this Act arising from prior judgments or settlement agreements.
- Provide a uniform statute of limitations of 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act for any action to recover under Holocaust-era insurance policies.
This bipartisan effort demonstrates Congress’s commitment to addressing the unresolved issue of Holocaust-era property restitution and supporting Holocaust survivors and their families.
