Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Summary of Bill S 40

Bill 118 s 40, also known as the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a commission that will study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.

The commission will be made up of 13 members who are appointed by various government officials, including the President, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate Majority Leader. These members will have expertise in areas such as civil rights, social justice, and African American history.

The commission will be tasked with examining the history of slavery in the United States, as well as the discrimination and injustices that African Americans have faced since the end of slavery. They will also study the impact of these injustices on African American communities today. Based on their research, the commission will develop proposals for reparations to address the lasting effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans. These proposals may include financial compensation, educational opportunities, and other forms of redress. Overall, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act aims to address the historical injustices faced by African Americans and to provide recommendations for how the government can make amends for these injustices.

Congressional Summary of S 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. 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 one year of its first meeting.

Current Status of Bill S 40

Bill S 40 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2023. Bill S 40 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on January 24, 2023.  Bill S 40's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 24, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 40

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
48
Democrat Cosponsors
46
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 40

Primary Policy Focus

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact Areas

Advisory bodiesCivics educationConstitution and constitutional amendmentsGovernment liabilityGovernment studies and investigationsHuman rightsRacial and ethnic relationsState and local government operationsU.S. historyWar crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 40

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