WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new bill introduced in the House of Representatives aims to create a commission to study and develop reparations proposals for African Americans. Sponsored by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), the legislation, titled the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on January 3.
The bill directs the commission to compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States, examine the role of federal and state governments in supporting the institution, and analyze discriminatory laws and policies that affected freed African slaves and their descendants. It also mandates recommendations for how the United States may formally acknowledge and address the lasting impact of slavery and systemic discrimination.
It has been suggested that the cost to create the commission would be $20 million, and a payout to descendants of slaves in America would cost tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer funds.
The commission would be composed of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations, with appointments made by the president and congressional leadership. Government officials and members of Congress would be barred from serving on the panel. The commission would have the authority to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and collaborate with external entities to fulfill its mission.
A final report outlining the commission’s findings and recommendations must be submitted within 18 months of its first meeting. The bill states its purpose as addressing “the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865.”
If passed, the legislation would mark a significant step in the ongoing national debate over reparations and historical accountability.