S. 447, Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, the House will consider S. 447, the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act, under suspension of the rules. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2017, by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and was passed by the Senate, as amended, by unanimous consent on December 12, 2017 and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Summary

S. 447 requires a one-time report by the State department that assesses and describes the laws with respect to Holocaust property restitution of participant countries in the 2009 Holocaust Era Assets Conference.

Background

The JUST Act will build on the international Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues of 2009, which affirms that the protection of property rights is an essential component of a democratic society based on the rule of law and recognizes the importance of restituting or compensating Holocaust-related confiscations made during the Holocaust-era between 1933-45. Unfortunately, many nations that endorsed this declaration, including many NATO allies, have not fully addressed the restitution of Jewish communal, private and heirless property.[1]

The JUST Act requires the State Department to report on certain countries’ compliance with and progress toward the goals of the 2009 Terezin Declaration, as well as on what actions those countries are taking to resolve the claims of U.S. citizens. This will enhance on-going U.S. efforts to urge Central and Eastern European countries to achieve progress on this issue and will help build on America’s commitment to ensuring justice for Holocaust survivors and the families of Holocaust victims.[2]

The public record created by the JUST Act will serve as a powerful tool for the U.S. State Department and advocacy groups for survivors to encourage countries that are Terezin Declaration signatories to meet their restitution commitments.

According to the bill’s sponsor, “I applaud the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today for supporting this bipartisan effort to ensure justice is done, at long last, for Holocaust survivors and the families of Holocaust victims. These individuals have waited far too long to recover, or receive compensation for, what is rightfully theirs, and by highlighting this issue as an American foreign policy priority, we will spur action in countries that are falling short of their obligations. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate as soon as possible, and ultimately signed in to law.”[3]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2018-2022 period, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.