Congresswoman Simon and Congressman DeSaulnier Introduce Legislation to Establish a Commission to Identify, Investigate, and Remedy Historical Injustices by Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced the Confronting and Correcting Historical Injustices Act, legislation that would establish a “Commission for Review and Correction of Historical Injustices” to identify, investigate, and remedy instances of historical injustice and discrimination carried out by federal agencies.
“For far too long, communities – particularly Black and brown communities - have been subjected to discriminatory practices at the hands of our own government without proper accountability or acknowledgement. This current moment in history, when the Trump Administration is killing American citizens and terrorizing immigrant communities, demonstrates that the legacy of horrific violence and racial inequality towards immigrant communities by the federal government continues,” said Congresswoman Simon. “This legislation establishes a path to address these injustices and demand the accountability communities deserve. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation with my colleague Congressman DeSaulnier and carry forward the torch lit by Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.
“In order to realize the founding ideals of our country, we must recognize and address the darker chapters in its history marked by discrimination and hate,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Simon, who has been a strong leader on this issue, in introducing this legislation that will bring us closer to the promise of equality and justice for all.”
The independent Commission established by this legislation would:
- Review cases of discrimination where individuals or groups have not received compensation for the actions of the federal agency;
- Recommend further legislative or executive action to address and resolve discriminatory instances;
- Establish a procedure for the public to submit discrimination cases for review;
- Hold the authority to issue a subpoena to any federal agency that the Commission deems necessary.
This bill was partially inspired by the case of the Port Chicago 50; and the legislation was previously introduced by then-Congresswoman, now Mayor of Oakland, Barbara Lee, and Congressman DeSaulnier in the 118th Congress.
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