Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 557 is sponsored by our committee colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the only…”

“Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 557 is sponsored by our committee colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the only Holocaust survivor serving in this body. We commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for his long abiding commitment to ensuring justice for Holocaust survivors and for their heirs. H.R. 557 commends agencies of the United States Government for their efforts to recover and restitute Holocaust-related assets and expresses support for the upcoming Washington Conference on Holocaust-Era Assets. It urges those governments which have not established restitution procedures to do so, and to ensure that citizenship or residency requirements do not become impediments. The bill wants information to be made public and specifically mentions the Holy See, which has not been cooperative in opening its archives. H. Res. 557 also incorporates the thrust of some measures introduced by colleagues of ours. It urges Germany to expand the eligibility criteria for needy Holocaust survivors, and it recommends that Germany investigate Dr. Hans Joachim Sewering for crimes against humanity. The measure also urges everyone to work together to unify family members separated during the Holocaust.”