Joe Biden on Reparations
TL;DR
Joe Biden has supported the study of slavery's legacy but has not directly endorsed federal cash payments for reparations.
Key Points
He stated his support for the concept behind H.R. 40, the bill to study reparations for slavery, during the 2020 campaign.
The administration has faced ongoing pressure from advocacy groups to move beyond studying the issue and to enact concrete measures.
His stated support for reparations has historically been tied to the concept of a commission to study the issue rather than direct payments.
Summary
Joe Biden's core position on reparations for African Americans concerning slavery and its lasting effects has centered on supporting a study commission rather than committing to direct financial payments. As a candidate and later as president, he expressed support for H.R. 40, the bill that would establish a commission to study and develop reparations proposals. This stance, which prioritizes research and discussion over immediate distribution of funds, is seen by some advocates as insufficient given the urgency of racial justice issues.
This emphasis on a study aligns with a long-standing approach to contentious racial justice issues, potentially seeking to build consensus before advocating for specific, potentially divisive remedies like direct monetary transfers. His administration has also been urged by various groups to use executive action to study reparations, but the focus remains consistently on the legislative vehicle of H.R. 40 as the primary path forward. This measured approach reflects the political complexity of implementing reparations at the federal level.
Key Quotes
“He certainly would support a study of reparations,”
“We helped build this nation. We built the United States Capitol. We built the White House. We made cotton king and that built the early economy of the United States,”
"A Biden Administration will support a study of reparations."
Frequently Asked Questions
Joe Biden's official position supports the establishment of a commission, generally associated with H.R. 40, to study the issue of reparations for slavery. He has been less explicit about endorsing specific reparations remedies, such as direct cash payments, beyond the study phase.
The President has largely avoided confirming or denying support for direct cash payments, preferring to focus his public advocacy on the need for a comprehensive federal study. This has led some critics to suggest he is dodging a potentially unpopular policy question.
Yes, Joe Biden expressed support for the idea of studying reparations during his time as a presidential candidate in 2020. This support was primarily framed as backing the creation of a commission to examine the legacy of slavery.
Sources9
Biden on reparations: He supports a study, not direct payments
Reparations Debacle: Biden Dodging Unpopular Policy?
House GOP blocks bill that would create commission to study slavery reparations
US Groups Ask Biden to Create Commission to Study Reparations
Reparations for slavery
Joe Biden: Support study of reparations for slavery
Reparations Bill Tests Biden and Harris on Racial Justice
Joe Biden backs study into reparations for slavery
State, Federal Reparations Leaders Demand President Biden Enact HR 40
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.