News

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act (S. 2621). 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 previously introduced the legislation in the 112th, 114th, and 115th Congress with former Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).
 
“The Holocaust remains humanity’s darkest hour, leaving a permanent stain on history for all nations,” Rubio said. “We must continue to do everything we can to support survivors and their families. A large number of Holocaust-era insurance claims remain unpaid, and Congress must act to ensure that survivors can have their day in court to retrieve the amount their families are rightfully owed.”
“Never Again means never forgetting those who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. I’m proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation which will help empower survivors and their families,” Rosen said. “Whether it’s increasing funding for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance program or improving access to health care services for Holocaust survivors experiencing trauma, I will continue working to provide Holocaust survivors with full support and enable them to live their lives with the dignity and care they deserve.”
 
“The Holocaust is more than a history lesson; it is a stark reminder that evil and hate exist in this world,” Scott said. “As Governor of Florida, I took a stand against discrimination and prohibited state agencies and local governments from contracting with companies boycotting Israel, because supporting Israel should never be a partisan issue. And as U.S. Senator, I will continue to support Israel and take action against those who wish to do them harm. I’m proud to work with Senator Rubio to introduce the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act as we continue to do everything in our power to support the survivors and their families. Our memory and support of all of those who suffered must never weaken.” 
 
“For so many years, we Holocaust survivors have felt abandoned and forgotten. We are grateful to Senators Rubio, Rosen, and Scott for filing this important legislation to require insurers who profited from the Holocaust to finally be accountable. We pray the rest of the Senate and the House will listen to us and restore our rights and dignity,” David Schaecter, of Miami, President of the Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA said. 
 
“We have been fighting to be able to find the truth about our families’ insurance policies for more than 20 years. It is unthinkable that Holocaust Survivors, including many who are also veterans of the U.S. military, are second class citizens today. We are grateful that Senators Rubio, Rosen, and Scott will be pushing for legislation to ensure that we are able to reclaim our family legacies,” David Mermelstein, of Miami, President of the Holocaust Survivors of Miami-Dade County said. 
 
“We appreciate Senator Rosen joining Senators Rubio and Scott to take legislative action to ensure that our families’ histories are honored. Time is short. May there be justice for all,” Esther Finder and Ray Fiol, leaders of the Holocaust Survivors Group of Southern Nevada said. 
 
Related: 

• March 26, 2018: Rubio, Baldwin Lead 59 Senators in Calling on Polish Government to Ensure Justice for Holocaust Victims and their Families
• December 5, 2017: Rubio, Baldwin Advance Bill to Help Holocaust Survivors
• July 7, 2016: Rubio, Baldwin Introduce Bill To Help Holocaust Survivors And Families Of Holocaust Victims