Reparations Bill Wins New Momentum in Congress

WATCH: Ben Shapiro on slavery reparations and 2020 Democrats

Once upon a time, a Democratic candidate floated support for “reparations.”  And by “once upon a time,” I mean two seconds ago. Beto O’Rourke is totally on the reparations train now.

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The former three-term congressman from Texas made his comments during an appearance in New York before the National Action Network, a civil rights organization founded by Al Sharpton.

Asked by Sharpton if he would back a measure introduced by Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a fellow Texan, O’Rourke answered, “absolutely I would sign that into law.”

Ah, yes. Bet you didn’t know that current lawmakers are tossing around a reparations measure.

House legislation to form a commission to study whether black Americans should receive reparations for slavery is getting a significant boost from Democrats on the presidential campaign trail.

Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), the head of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), suggested that action on a reparations measure sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) is all but certain, with Democrats now in control of the lower chamber and the idea gaining prominence on the national stage.

The commission would “study” the implications of issuing reparations. Yes, really. This is what we’re paying them to do.

“I don’t think there needs to be pressure, we’re in charge,” Bass said. “It’s being discussed, I’m sure we’re going to get there.”

Jackson Lee, who took up the mantle from Conyers, said she’s been talking with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) about holding a hearing on her bill. Nadler is also a co-sponsor, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has put her considerable voice behind the effort. An aide said Wednesday that, if acted upon, the bill would move first through Nadler’s committee before reaching the floor.

“We tried to posture this legislation at the highest level of thought and seriousness. There is no humor. There is no request in the bill for a check or a pot of gold,” Jackson Lee told The Hill as she headed to a CBC meeting in the Capitol.

She believes it’s gaining traction.

“People are not hesitating to openly support it and push for it,” she said. “I think we have a very good chance of having a hearing some point.”

I repeat, a hearing to discuss throwing wads of cash at descendants of slaves. How idiotic is that? Further, are they going to include the descendants of slaves who didn’t originate from African countries? What about Polish slaves? Jewish slaves? Asian slaves? What about indentured servants? I know that was more of a willing situation, but HEY WHY NOT? Let’s just give money to everyone who may be descendants of slaves, even though they haven’t suffered a day in their life because of it. Makes sense!

h/t The Hill
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