[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 26 (Monday, June 29, 1998)]
[Pages 1195-1196]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the U.S. Holocaust Assets Commission Act of 1998

June 23, 1998

    Today I am pleased to sign into law S. 1900, the ``U.S. Holocaust 
Assets Commission Act of 1998.'' This legislation is the result of the 
bipartisan support of the Congress, and the efforts of many people 
inside and outside of government who have worked to achieve its passage. 
It represents an important step in advancing the United States 
Government's efforts to bring justice to Holocaust victims, survivors, 
and their heirs.

[[Page 1196]]

    The bill establishes the ``Presidential Advisory Commission on 
Holocaust Assets in the United States.'' The Commission will focus on 
two key tasks: first, it will conduct original research on the 
collection and disposition of Holocaust-era assets that came under the 
control of the United States Government after Hitler came to power in 
1933 (assets including gold, gems, bank accounts, financial instruments, 
insurance policies, and art works); and second, it will review research 
already conducted by public and private entities. The Commission will 
prepare a final report, summarizing its findings and making 
recommendations to me, which will be completed by December 31, 1999.
    As we finish the business of the 20th century, we must examine 
difficult aspects of our history in order to build a better world for 
our children in the next millennium. Establishing a Commission to study 
these issues sends a strong message, both at home and abroad, that the 
United States Government is determined to acknowledge and address the 
fate of Holocaust assets domestically.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
June 23, 1998.

Note: S. 1900, approved June 23, was assigned Public Law No. 105-186.