Bills · HR 40
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 40Evidence and witnessesState and local government operations
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 3
READING
16MIN
COSPONSORS
100
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses a long-standing debate in American society about the legacy of slavery and subsequent discrimination against African Americans. If passed, it would officially acknowledge the need to formally study the enduring impact of these historical injustices, which supporters argue still contribute to significant disparities in wealth, education, health, and the justice system today.
By establishing a commission, the bill initiates a formal process to investigate, document, and propose solutions, including reparations, for these historical wrongs. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to policy recommendations that aim to close racial gaps and promote healing. If it does not become law, the federal government would continue without a formal, congressionally mandated study and proposals on this specific issue, leaving the discussion and potential actions regarding reparations to other avenues or continued debate without a structured government initiative.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans" within the legislative branch.
This creates the official body responsible for conducting the study and developing recommendations regarding reparations.
PROVISION 02
Requires the commission to identify and document the institution of slavery in the U.S. from 1619-1865, including the capture, transport, sale, and treatment of enslaved Africans.
This provision ensures a comprehensive historical examination of slavery's specific practices and injustices.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the commission to study subsequent discrimination against freed slaves and their descendants, including economic, political, educational, and social discrimination up to the present day.
This extends the scope beyond slavery to include post-slavery systemic discrimination, recognizing its ongoing impact.
PROVISION 04
Tasks the commission with examining the lingering negative effects of slavery and discrimination on living African Americans and U.S. society, and how instructional resources may deny the inhumanity of slavery.
This focuses on current disparities and the role of education in understanding or misrepresenting history.
PROVISION 05
Directs the commission to develop and recommend appropriate remedies, including a national apology and specific reparation proposals, and ways to educate the public on its findings.
This is the core objective of the bill, aiming to provide concrete actions and public understanding for addressing historical injustices.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 100
D· Massachusetts
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
41
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 100 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 40
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Last actionJan 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025
House BillHR 40Evidence and witnessesState and local government operations
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
16 min
COSPONSORS
100
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
