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

This bill, known as the **Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act**, establishes a commission that will investigate and make recommendations regarding reparations for African Americans as a result of slavery and ongoing discrimination. Below are the main components of the bill:

Purpose of the Act

The primary aim of the Act is to address historical injustices stemming from slavery in the United States and the long-term effects of systemic racial discrimination. The commission will specifically look into:

The history of slavery from 1619 to 1865, including its legal foundations.
Continued discrimination against African Americans post-Civil War and its modern implications.
The impact of slavery and discrimination on current African American populations.
The ways in which education systems address or fail to address the legacy of slavery.
The benefits that societal institutions and private entities have derived from slavery.

Commission Structure

The commission will consist of 15 members, including:

Three members appointed by the President.
Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Three members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate.
Six experts selected by the Director of the Commission, focusing on reparatory justice.

Members must have special qualifications related to African American studies or reparatory justice.

Duties of the Commission

The commission will be responsible for:

Gathering and synthesizing evidence related to the historical context of slavery and its consequences.
Examining legislative and governmental policies that have historically led to discrimination against African Americans.
Analyzing ongoing effects of past injustices, including educational and economic disparities.
Recommending educational initiatives to share the findings with the public.
Submitting comprehensive recommendations on possible remedies for injustices, including the possibility of financial reparations.

Reporting and Accountability

The commission must submit a report to Congress within 18 months after its first meeting. This report will include findings, recommendations, and potential strategies for public education and remedies.