Bill · S. 40· Senate(119-S-40)
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act
- Introduced
- 1/9/2025
- Last activity
- 1/9/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Cory Booker
- Cosponsors
- - 19 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act." The legislation creates a commission to study the institution of slavery and subsequent racial and economic discrimination against African Americans. This commission is tasked with studying the impact of these forces on living African Americans and their society. The group will also consider the role of various institutions and the effects of systemic discrimination. Ultimately, the commission will develop and recommend appropriate remedies and a potential national apology. Finally, the commission must submit its findings and recommendations to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill creates a formal mechanism to study reparations and recommend remedies for systemic injustices against African Americans.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+5
The bill establishes a commission to study systemic discrimination and develop reparations proposals for African Americans.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
The bill seeks to identify remedies for economic hardships faced by descendants of enslaved people.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes $12,000,000 in spending to fund the commission's operations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Development of Reparation Proposals: The commission is tasked with studying and developing proposals for reparations to address the institution of slavery and subsequent de jure and de facto discrimination (Section 2(b)(1)). This could result in specific remedies for those affected.
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National Apology and Education: The bill directs the commission to consider a national apology and recommend ways to educate the American public on its findings (Section 2(b)(2)). This could help address the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery and discrimination.
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Addressing Economic and Social Disparities: The commission is required to study the lingering negative effects of slavery and discrimination, such as economic, educational, and health hardships (Section 2(a)(6)). This study aims to identify how to reverse these injuries through appropriate policies and programs (Section 3(b)(5)(D)).
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Identification of Systemic Issues: The commission will identify forms of discrimination in both public and private sectors, including redlining and educational funding discrepancies (Section 3(b)(2)). This may lead to recommendations for eliminating policies that negatively affect African Americans (Section 3(b)(5)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Taxpayer Expense: The bill authorizes the appropriation of $12,000,000 to carry out the commission's duties (Section 8). This represents a significant use of federal funds.
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Administrative Costs: The commission has the power to appoint staff, procure experts, and enter into various contracts for research and services (Section 6). These administrative activities will require the use of authorized funds.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+5Good For Low Income Households+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves School Choice+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- 6/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/23/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/9/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 17 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts