H.R. 40 Introduced Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

To address the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to study and consider a national apology and proposal for reparations for the institution of slavery, its subsequent de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7] Introduced January 3, 2025 Cosponsors 118 (118 D) Latest action January 3, 2025

Summary

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act
This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.
The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations).
The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work.
The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jan 3, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  2. Jan 3, 2025 Introduced in House

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