Booker Reintroduces Legislation to Form Commission for Study of Reparation Proposals for African Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led colleagues in reintroducing S.40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, legislation that would establish a commission to consider proposals for reparations for African American descendants of slavery. 

The Commission will study the impact of slavery and the continuing discrimination against African Americans and will make recommendations on reparation proposals for the descendants of slaves.

“We as a nation have not yet truly acknowledged and grappled with the ways slavery, racism, and white supremacy continue to disadvantage African Americans,” said Senator Booker. “Commissioning a study to better understand where our country has fallen short will help lawmakers better address the racial disparities and inequalities that persist today as a result of generational injustices.” 

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),  Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

To read the full text of the bill, click here.