Senate: Hold Open Hearings for S. 2212!

The proposed legislation will allow foreign governments to immunize themselves from U.S. lawsuits when loaning art and antiquities to American museums. While LCCHP supports its purpose of cultural exchange, we fear that it would leave victims of theft and looting without recourse to recover their rightful property. By allowing museums to knowingly exhibit illicit artwork, it will also send a terrible message to the public, which undermines the longstanding U.S. commitment to cultural heritage preservation.

Congress has been unable to consider these concerns because of the unnecessary speed at which this bill is advancing. Many interested parties are unaware of it and have not yet made their voices heard. Given there is no apparent reason for such undue haste, we are urging the Senate to postpone this proposed legislation, pending open hearings.