Democrats push reparations bill for Black Americans

House Democrats pushed forward a reparations plan for Black Americans on Wednesday despite tepid support from President Biden and stiff opposition from Republicans.

The push for reparations, which could include financial compensation and education initiatives to make amends for past injustices to Black Americans, presents a major test for President Biden’s allegiance to racial-justice activists.

His tepid support for the measure separated him from the other Democratic presidential candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris who enthusiastically endorsed the bill.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday said the president supports the essence of the bill.

Psaki said.

Psaki said, “We will see what happens through the legislative process.”.

“The president would have a duty to move the legislation that his party in Congress is favorable to,” he said.

Burgess Owens, a Utah Republican who is Black, blasted Democrats for holding the hearing, saying it gave Black Americans false hope.

It is unfair and heartless to give Black Americans hope that this is a reality,” he said.

Owens, whose great-great-grandfather came to America aboard a slave ship, said the commission threatens to perpetuate racial stereotypes.

Tom McClintock, California Republican, said the reparations effort would further divide the nation.

“I can’t imagine a more divisive, polarizing or unjust measure than one that would by government force, require people who never owned slaves to pay reparations to those who never were slaves based not on anything they’ve done but because of what race they were born,” said Mr.

However, a parade of witnesses called by the Democratic majority testified that reparations are necessary to compensate for myriad inequities facing Black Americans.

The new reparations bill appears to have more momentum along with other racial justice measures

The reparations bill garnered support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, and a total of 162 Democratic co-sponsors