S. 40 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Jan 9, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryCommission to study reparations for African Americans
This bill creates a commission that would research slavery in the United States and its lasting effects on African Americans. The group would look at how federal and state governments supported slavery, study discriminatory laws and policies that followed, and then recommend ways the country could address these harms—potentially through an apology and compensation. They'd have a year to finish their work and report back.
How it affects you
This bill doesn't directly change laws or programs that affect your daily life. Instead, it establishes a research group to study historical injustices and suggest future remedies. If you're interested in how the country addresses the legacy of slavery, this commission's final report could inform that conversation.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jan 9, 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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 40
A BILL
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act
Sponsor: Sen. Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) · Introduced Jan 9, 2025 · Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 9, 2025: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.”