Holocaust-Era Insurance Restitution

In 1998, the International Commission on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims (ICHEIC) [www.icheic.org] was set up as a forum for major European insurance companies to voluntarily publish policyholder information and settle outstanding Holocaust-era policies. In November 2001, a Government Reform Full Committee oversight hearing on the work of the Commission revealed that ICHEIC’s rate of claims approval is barely one percent. The hearing also found that the participation of insurance companies was marked by delays and obstruction, as companies failed to provide comprehensive lists of policyholder names. These lists are crucial because Holocaust survivors and heirs often recall that their families held policies but do not know the name of the company that issued the policy. Over 80 percent of all ICHEIC applicants could not name the company holding their assets.

Rep. Waxman has introduced H.R. 1210, the Holocaust Victims Insurance Relief Act of 2003, to help claimants address this obstacle by requiring insurance companies operating in the United States to supply the Department of Commerce with the name, place of birth, and issuing company listed on all life, dowry, education, and property insurance policies that were in effect in areas under Nazi control between the rise of Hitler in 1933 and the end of World War II in 1945. In addition, the bill would establish a Holocaust Insurance Registry at the National Archives to make the information publicly available.

H.R. 1210 is based on a 1999 California law that was legally challenged, but upheld in a September 9, 2002 decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Insurance companies that oppose the law have appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. On March 26, 2003, Rep. Waxman, joined by California's Senators and 49 other Members of Congress, filed an amicus brief in support of the California's position. The case was heard at the Supreme Court on April 23, 2003.

After more than two years of negotiations, ICHEIC reached an agreement on Thursday, September 19, 2002, for German companies to voluntarily release information about Holocaust-era policies.

Latest News

Additional Correspondence on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims

Continuing the Committee's investigation, Rep. Waxman and Chairman Davis have sent additional letters requesting information relevant to the resolution of insurance claims of Holocaust victims.

Hearing on 'Holocaust Era Insurance Restitution after AIA v. Garamendi: Where Do We Go From Here?'

The Committee on Government Reform held a hearing to examine the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision in American Insurance Association v. Garamendi, which overturned a California state law proposing sanctions against insurance companies that fail to publish information about Holocaust-era policies.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Law Compelling Release of Policy Information

The Supreme Court struck down a California law that would have required insurance companies to release information on Holocaust-era insurance policies.

Fifty-Two Members Support California in Garamendi Case

Rep. Waxman, joined by 51 Members of Congress, filed an amicus brief supporting the State of California in American Insurance Association et. al. v. Garamendi.

Greater Oversight Needed on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims Panel

The Jewish Journal has published Rep. Waxman's op-ed "Justice Delayed and Justice Denied: Greater oversight needed on Holocaust-era insurance claims panel."

Further Correspondence on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims

Continuing the Committee's investigation, Reps. Waxman and Burton have sent additional letters requesting information relevant to the resolution of insurance claims of Holocaust victims.

Hearing on 'The Holocaust Victims Insurance Relief Act of 2001'

The Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations held a hearing on H.R. 2693, the Holocaust Victims Insurance Relief Act of 2001.

Hearing on 'The Status of Insurance Restitution for Holocaust Victims and Their Heirs'

At the request of Rep. Waxman, the Committee on Government Reform held a hearing on Holocaust-era insurance restitution and the work of the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims (ICHEIC).

Correspondence on Holocaust-Era Insurance Claims

In the course of the Committee's investigation, Reps. Waxman and Burton sent letters to several companies, organizations, and foundations requesting information relevant to the resolution of insurance claims of Holocaust victims.

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