in the news

Published August 12, 2010 09:31

Sacramento, CA – A bill authored by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D – San Fernando Valley) requiring companies vying for contracts to build California’s High Speed Rail system to disclose their involvement in deportations to concentration camps during World War II passed the California State Senate today. The vote was 22 – 0.

The Holocaust Survivor Responsibility Act, AB 619, would require companies seeking to be awarded high speed rail contracts to publicly disclose whether they had a direct role in transporting persons to concentration camps, and provide a description of any remedial action or restitution they have made to survivors, or families of victims. The bill requires the High Speed Rail Authority to include a company’s disclosure as part of the contract award process.

“In awarding contracts for the largest public works project in California history, we should look at the entire history and experience of companies vying for our tax dollars. Any company that has failed to take responsibility for its participation in mass genocide should be made to disclose this fact before being considered for these lucrative contracts,” Blumenfield said.

In 2011, the governing board of the High Speed Rail Authority will begin to award contracts for the design, construction and operation of the train system that will carry passengers between Northern and Southern California in less than three hours. One company lining up to bid for the work is Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNCF), a French rail company that had direct involvement in the Holocaust. SNCF provided the trains, personnel and logistics that sent thousands of Jews, American soldiers and others to concentration camps.

SNCF was paid by the Nazis for the deportations per head, per kilometer. Unlike other companies that were involved in the Holocaust, SNCF has not made restitution to survivors, nor has it been held accountable in a court of law. Blumenfield said that although SNCF was the impetus for his bill, the legislation would apply to any company that transported persons to concentration camps during 1942 - 1944.

“Holocaust survivors, and family members of victims who perished due to the actions of SNCF living in California today, deserve to see SNCF and other companies guilty of participating in genocide take responsibility for their actions in their lifetimes before we give record amounts of their tax dollars to these same companies,” Blumenfield said. “My bill is an effort to encourage SNCF and others to make amends and to ensure that our tax dollars are spent by companies that can meet the most minimum threshold of corporate responsibility.”

Blumenfield, a strong supporter of high speed rail, said his bill is not intended to stall the project. AB 619 now goes back to the Assembly for a vote to concur in the Senate amendments.

Back to all news

Recent Posts