What does Preamble of Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 do?

This Act aims to clarify the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 It limits defenses based on time and non-merits to claims under the Act

What does > SHORT TITLE. of Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025.

What does HOLOCAUST EXPROPRIATED ART RECOVERY ACT OF 2016 of Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 (22 U.S.C. 1621 note). The amendments aim to preclude defenses based on the passage of time, such as laches, adverse possession, acquisitive prescription, and usucapion, in claims to recover Nazi-looted art. Non-merits discretionary defenses, including the act of state doctrine, international comity, forum non conveniens, and prudential exhaustion, are also precluded. The Act intends to allow claims for artwork or other property lost during the covered period due to Nazi persecution, regardless of the alleged victim's nationality or citizenship. Civil claims brought under this Act are deemed to be actions in which rights in violation of international law are in issue. The amendments apply to civil claims pending or filed on or after the date of enactment.

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Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025

Last updated: 4/13/2026 · Introduced: 5/22/2025

Author: John Cornyn (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 to prevent defendants from using time-based defenses like laches or adverse possession to dismiss claims for Nazi-looted art.
The Act prohibits non-merits defenses, such as the act of state doctrine, in claims to recover artwork or property lost during the Holocaust.
Claims under this Act are now considered to involve rights in violation of international law, and the amendments apply to pending and future civil claims.

119th CongressenactedHR. 4235(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, <<note: 22 usc 1621 note.>> short title., and 1 more.

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