Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

Hozzl · 2024-03-08T08:15:18Z

Explore the details of House Bill 40 Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/8/2024, 8:15 AM

Summary of Bill HR 40

Bill 118 hr 40, also known as the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of establishing a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. The bill seeks to address the long-standing issue of racial inequality and discrimination that has affected African Americans in the United States.

The commission established by this bill would be tasked with examining the institution of slavery in the United States, the discrimination against African Americans that followed emancipation, and the impact of these injustices on African Americans today. The commission would also be responsible for recommending appropriate remedies to address these historical injustices, including reparations for African Americans.

The bill outlines the composition of the commission, which would consist of 13 members appointed by the President and congressional leaders. The commission would have a broad mandate to conduct research, hold hearings, and make recommendations to Congress on how to address the legacy of slavery and discrimination against African Americans. Supporters of the bill argue that reparations are necessary to address the ongoing effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including disparities in wealth, education, and healthcare. Critics, however, question the feasibility and fairness of reparations, and argue that they could be divisive and difficult to implement. Overall, Bill 118 hr 40 represents an important step towards addressing the historical injustices faced by African Americans in the United States. The establishment of a commission to study and develop reparation proposals is a significant and potentially transformative initiative that has the potential to bring about meaningful change for African Americans and promote racial justice in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 40

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.

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Current Status of Bill HR 40

Bill HR 40 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 40 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023. Bill HR 40's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 9, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 40

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

250

Democrat Cosponsors

250

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 40

Primary Policy Focus

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact Areas

Advisory bodiesCivics educationCongressional oversightConstitution and constitutional amendmentsEvidence and witnessesFederal district courtsGovernment liabilityGovernment studies and investigationsHuman rightsPublic contracts and procurementRacial and ethnic relationsState and local government operationsU.S. historyWar crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 40

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans ActCommission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans ActTo 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.

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