Cornyn, Blumenthal File Amicus Brief Supporting Holocaust Survivors, Victims in Recovery of Nazi-Confiscated Art

Cornyn, Blumenthal File Amicus Brief Supporting Holocaust Survivors, Victims in Recovery of Nazi-Confiscated Art News Cornyn, Blumenthal File Amicus Brief Supporting Holocaust Survivors, Victims in Recovery of Nazi-Confiscated Art September 25, 2026 AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) filed an amicus brief in support of their Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act , now law, which aids in the recovery of Nazi-looted art and helps deliver justice for Holocaust survivors and their families. The brief, as filed with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, argues that the HEAR Act is constitutional and does not violate the Tenth Amendment or separation-of-powers principles as Congress has constitutional authority over war-related consequences and interstate and foreign commerce. “ Earlier this year, the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act was signed into law to ensure Holocaust survivors and their families have an opportunity to regain thousands of missing pieces of artwork that were looted by the Nazi regime, ” said Sen. Cornyn. “ I am proud to stand in support of survivors and their families, and I urge the Court to ensure victims are not barred from claiming what is rightfully theirs. ” “ The Nazi campaign to steal art treasured by Jewish families and others targeted by the regime the was about more than a pilfering of property—it was a deeply personal theft and an act of inhumanity, ” said Sen. Blumenthal. “ Senator Cornyn has been my partner for years in bringing long overdue justice to families whose cherished art was brazenly stolen by the Nazis. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn, Holocaust survivors, and their family members in urging the Court to do the right thing and uphold the constitutionality of the HEAR Act. ” Background: The amicus in Reif v. Republic of Austria argues that heirs and descendants of Austrian Jewish art collector Fritz Grünbaum seek the return of Egon Schiele artworks allegedly seized by the Nazis from Grünbaum’s collection under duress during World War II. The case involves claims against the Republic of Austria and Austrian museums, and the current dispute includes whether the amended HEAR Act constitutionally requires the claims to proceed despite defenses that would otherwise bar adjudication on the merits. An amicus brief, or “friend of the court” brief, can be filed in order to address concerns and advise the Court on a matter of law that directly affects the case at hand.