Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

Sponsored bySen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]NJ· Introduced 9 January 2025

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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

9 January 2025·1 year ago

Summary

Introduced in Senate · Updated 18 March 2025

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 formerly enslaved Africans 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.

Timeline

2 actions

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
9 January 2025 · IntroReferral
Introduced in Senate
9 January 2025 · IntroReferral

Sponsorship

20 cosponsors

Sponsor

Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]NJ

Cosponsors

Democrat1995%
Independent15%

Democrat:Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]MD
Democrat:Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]VA
Democrat:Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]DE
Democrat:Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]RI
Democrat:Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]CA
Democrat:Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]MN
Democrat:Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]GA
Democrat:Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]OR
Democrat:Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]HI
Democrat:Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]MD
Democrat:Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]IL
Democrat:Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]MA
Democrat:Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]IL
Democrat:Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]MA
Democrat:Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]NJ
Democrat:Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]CT
Independent:Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]VT
Democrat:Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]CA
Democrat:Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]WA
Democrat:Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]VT

Classification

Policy area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Legislative subjects

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

Committees

Judiciary Committee
Senate · Standing
- Referred To9 Jan 2025
- Referred To9 Jan 2025

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Track Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act as it moves through Congress