S. 40: Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

This bill, titled the **Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act**, proposes the establishment of a commission tasked with examining the historical injustices of slavery in the United States and its ongoing impacts. The key components of the bill include:

Purpose and Findings

The commission seeks to address the injustice and brutality of slavery from 1619 through 1865, as well as the systemic discrimination that has persisted against African Americans. Congress recognizes that:

• Approximately 4 million Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the U.S.
• Slavery was sanctioned by U.S. law and perpetuated by systemic discrimination after its abolition.
• Many African Americans today suffer socio-economic hardships resulting from this historical context.
• There is a need to understand how these historical practices affect current generations.

Commission Duties

The commission will have the following key responsibilities:

• Study the institution of slavery and its economic impact, including the roles of federal and state governments.
• Investigate the discrimination faced by freed slaves and their descendants across various aspects of society, including education and employment.
• Examine the negative effects of slavery that persist in the modern era.
• Recommend educational initiatives to inform the public about these findings.
• Develop proposals for reparations that consider both financial compensation and other remedies to address the ongoing disparities.

Membership and Structure

The commission will consist of 13 members appointed from various sectors, including:

• Three appointed by the President.
• Three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
• One by the President pro tempore of the Senate.
• Six members from civil society organizations focused on reparatory justice.

Members will be selected based on their qualifications related to African-American studies and activism.

Operational Provisions

The commission will have the authority to hold hearings, gather evidence, and collaborate with federal agencies to fulfill its capabilities. It can also engage experts to assist in its tasks. The commission is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to Congress within one year of its first meeting.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $12 million to support the commission’s activities.

Termination of the Commission

The commission will cease operations 90 days after submitting its final report to Congress.

Relevant Companies

None found.