S. 40: Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act
A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.
Overview
| Congress | 119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Type | Senate bill (S.) |
| Originating chamber | Senate |
| Introduced | 2025-01-09 |
| Sponsor | Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] |
| Policy area | Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues |
| Cosponsors | 20 |
| Latest action | 2025-01-09 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. |
| Last updated | 2026-07-23 |
Summary
Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-01-09):
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.
Cosponsors (20)
| Name | Party / state |
|---|---|
| Richard J. Durbin | D IL (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Richard Blumenthal | D CT (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Peter Welch | D VT (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Andy Kim | D NJ (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Tammy Duckworth | D IL (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Elizabeth Warren | D MA (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Alex Padilla | D CA (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Chris Van Hollen | D MD (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Adam B. Schiff | D CA (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Raphael G. Warnock | D GA (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Edward J. Markey | D MA (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Bernard Sanders | I VT (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Mazie K. Hirono | D HI (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Tina Smith | D MN (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Patty Murray | D WA (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Sheldon Whitehouse | D RI (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Jeff Merkley | D OR (original cosponsor) 2025-01-09 |
| Christopher A. Coons | D DE 2025-01-21 |
| Tim Kaine | D VA 2025-01-23 |
| Angela D. Alsobrooks | D MD 2026-06-18 |
Full text & official record
The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 40 are published by Congress on congress.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What is S. 40?
S. 40 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act.
Where can I read the full bill text?
The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 40 are available on congress.gov.
Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).