Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

1/31/2025, 2:24 PM

Summary of Bill HR 40

Bill 119 hr 40, also known as the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, aims to address the historical injustices of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865. The bill seeks to establish a commission that will study and consider a national apology and proposal for reparations for the institution of slavery, as well as the subsequent racial and economic discrimination against African Americans.

The commission will be tasked with making recommendations to Congress on appropriate remedies for the impact of slavery and its aftermath on living African Americans. The goal of the bill is to acknowledge and address the lasting effects of slavery and discrimination on the African American community, and to work towards healing and reconciliation.

This bill is significant in its recognition of the deep-rooted injustices faced by African Americans throughout history, and its commitment to seeking reparative measures to address these injustices. It represents a step towards acknowledging and rectifying the systemic racism and inequality that continue to impact African Americans today.

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 40

Bill HR 40 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 3, 2025. Bill HR 40 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025.  Bill HR 40's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 40

Total Number of Sponsors
7
Democrat Sponsors
7
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 40

Primary Policy Focus

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 40

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.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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Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 40

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