This bill would allow U.S. District Courts to adjudicate disputes between the French railway company, Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SCNF), and Holocaust survivors and their families.
Between 1941 and 1945, German forces occupying France requisitioned SCNF assets and transferred 75,000 French Jews, captured Allied troops, and U.S. citizens through Vichy to concentration camps. Following the war, SCNF sought compensation from Germany and France for damages relating to its forced collaboration. If this bill were to pass, the victims and their families would be permitted to seek reparations in U.S. courts.
The Obama administration opposed similar measures in the past on the grounds that they would constitute a usurpation of executive power.
The Coalition for Holocaust Rail Justice, a coalition of Holocaust survivors, family members, historians and volunteers, supported this measure.
24 cosponsors (20D, 4R).
See also: H.R. 1193 of 3/17/11.
Last major action: 4/11/13 referred to House Cmtes. on the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs.