Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, opened the committee’s executive business meeting on November 6, 2025, with remarks addressing several items on the agenda and providing an update on his ongoing Arctic Frost investigation.

Grassley announced that the committee would vote on Thomas Ferguson’s nomination to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “He’s a highly qualified nominee, who has earned numerous awards during his career,” Grassley said. He noted Ferguson’s experience as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington D.C., where he prosecuted drug crimes, and more than twelve years in private practice focusing on white collar defense and civil disputes. Grassley expressed confidence in Ferguson’s ability to perform well in the new role.

The committee also planned to consider S. 1884, known as the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 (HEAR Act). Grassley thanked Senators Cornyn and Blumenthal for introducing the bipartisan bill, which is cosponsored by several committee members including himself. He explained that this legislation builds upon previous work from the original HEAR Act passed in 2016 after a Judiciary Committee hearing focused on returning lost art to Holocaust victims.

At that earlier hearing, Grassley stated: “The bottom line is this: we need to fulfill our commitment to make sure that this artwork is returned to its rightful owners.” He added regarding the current bill: “The HEAR Act of 2025 will do just that. It’ll help ensure Holocaust victims and their families can have their day in court. The bill will reiterate Congress’ intent that these folks should have their cases adjudicated based upon the actual merits and facts of their cases.”

In addition to legislative matters, Grassley provided an update on his investigation into Arctic Frost. According to him, recent records made public by himself and Senator Johnson show that nearly 2,000 pages of subpoenas were issued under Jack Smith at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI targeting over 430 Republican groups and individuals—including Members of Congress serving on the committee itself.

Grassley indicated that at least thirteen Members of Congress had their phone records subpoenaed—eleven being Senators—and suggested there could be more revelations forthcoming. He criticized non-disclosure orders issued by Judge Boasberg for concealing these subpoenas but assured continued oversight efforts: “Our oversight continues, and I’ll have more to share with my colleagues as I obtain more records.”

He emphasized accountability measures resulting from this oversight; specifically mentioning that “the FBI unit that started Arctic Frost has been dismantled” and “many agents who were part of the investigation have been fired.” Grassley urged DOJ officials to produce requested records promptly and without unnecessary redactions.

Grassley concluded by expressing hope for strong bipartisan support for both Ferguson’s nomination and passage of the HEAR Act.