Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (Just) Act of 2017

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 447, the Justice for Uncompensated Survivor Today (JUST) Act of 2017.

This legislation directs the Department of State to report annually on progress certain European states have made to restore land and possessions stolen during the Holocaust, with the intent of encouraging justice worldwide for Holocaust victims.

Eight years ago, forty-six countries vowed in the Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues to facilitate the return of property and possessions stolen from Holocaust Victims. Regrettably, not every country has expediently honored their promises to support the restoration of stolen items and address the claims of survivors. This bipartisan legislation will use the United States' considerable international influence to encourage all participating states to create and implement policies that will quickly restore the possessions that were taken from the Jewish citizens of Europe.

The victims of the Holocaust experienced immeasurable and unimaginable suffering, and I am committed to providing all possible assistance in restoring what was stolen from them. S. 447 is an excellent tool to ensure the process of returning items and property is more efficient and it encourages all members of the Terezin Declaration to act with the urgency they agreed to eight years ago.

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