HR 4235 United States House · 119th Congress

To clarify the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016, to appropriately limit the application of defenses based on the passage of time and other non-merits defenses to claims under that Act.

This bill clarifies the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 by preventing courts from dismissing claims based on time-related defenses (like laches or adverse possession) or other non-merits arguments (such as the act of state doctrine or forum non-conveniens). It specifically bars these defenses for claims seeking recovery of art looted by Nazis during World War II, ensuring cases are resolved on their merits. The bill applies to all pending cases and new claims filed after enactment, regardless of the victim's nationality. It strengthens the original law's purpose of enabling victims' heirs to pursue rightful recovery without procedural barriers.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jun 27, 2025 Last action Jun 27, 2025