Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR414

Introduced
5/17/23  

Caption

Recognizing that the United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the enslavement of Africans and its lasting harm on the lives of millions of Black people in the United States.

Impact

By calling for reparations, HR414 seeks to address systemic injustices faced by Black Americans. The bill points out that reparations should not only encompass financial compensation but also include measures that rectify historical injustices in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and community infrastructure. The proposal is intended to foster healing and restoration within Black communities, subsequently aiming to diminish racial disparities resulting from centuries of disenfranchisement and exploitation.

Summary

House Resolution 414 recognizes the moral and legal obligation of the United States to provide reparations to African Americans for the harms caused by slavery and systemic racism. The resolution affirms that reparations must consider financial compensation and other forms of redress for the ongoing effects of chattel slavery, racism, and discrimination that have shaped the socio-economic landscape for generations. It emphasizes that the legacy of slavery continues to affect Black communities today through disparities in wealth, education, health, and social justice.

Contention

The discourse surrounding HR414 is expected to ignite debate about the best form of reparative justice, with supporters advocating for a comprehensive and inclusive approach, while detractors may challenge the feasibility and implications of implementing such reparations. Key areas of contention include the specificity of reparative measures, the sources of funding for such compensation, and potential opposition from groups who question the necessity of reparations or the historical narrative surrounding slavery. The resolution aims to confront and redress these complex issues, calling for governmental acknowledgment of past wrongs and active participation in corrective measures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR414

Recognizing that the United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the crime of enslavement of Africans and its lasting harm on the lives of millions of Black people in the United States.

US HR519

Recognizing that the United States has a moral obligation to meet its foundational promise of guaranteed justice for all.

US HB40

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 freed African slaves 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; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. 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 18 months of its first meeting.

US HR455

Expressing support for Black service members this Memorial Day who gave their lives to protect and defend the United States at home and abroad despite facing racism in the Armed Forces and systemic inequities on United States soil.

US SB40

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 freed African slaves 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.

US HR231

Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

US SB40

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans ActThis 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.

US HR160

Recognizing Black History Month as an important time to celebrate the remarkable and unique contributions of all LGBTQI+ Black Americans in United States history.

US HR230

Recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to the lives of the people of the United States.

US HR1083

Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

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