Harris’s Vague Stance on Reparations Ignites Controversy

Vice President Kamala Harris’s reluctance to clarify her stance on reparations for African Americans has ignited a significant wave of criticism and debate.

At a Glance

Vice President Kamala Harris supports reparations for Black people.
She emphasizes the need for reparations due to historical and ongoing racial segregation and harm.
Harris has previously advocated for a commission to study reparations and mental health treatment for Black communities.
H.R. 40 aims to establish a commission to review the U.S. government’s role in slavery and recommend reparatory measures.

Harris’s Stance on Reparations

Kamala Harris has publicly supported the idea of reparations for African Americans. She believes in addressing the long-standing effects of 200 years of slavery, nearly a century of Jim Crow laws, and ongoing racial injustices. Harris has emphasized the historical and current need to rectify these disparities, advocating for detailed studies to guide these reparatory measures.

“I think there has to be some form of reparations and we could discuss what that is, but look, we’re looking at more than 200 years of slavery,” she said. “We’re looking at almost 100 years of Jim Crow….” – VP Kamala Harris

While Harris has been vocal about her general support, she also stresses the importance of studying the impacts of systemic racism and institutional discrimination to determine the most appropriate interventions. Her stance has been framed around comprehensive solutions rather than mere financial payouts.

Before the 2024 DNC, progressives were mainly defined by a commitment to justice, diversity, trigger warnings, reparations for the past and a scolding attitude towards dissent. Kamala Harris Democrats are a different breed — celebrating freedom, patriotism, toughness and the… pic.twitter.com/jjGmnD7WId

— Van Jones (@VanJones68) August 29, 2024

The Call for Comprehensive Measures

In discussing reparations, Harris has remarked that trauma experienced by African Americans due to historical injustices is comparable to post-traumatic stress from war. She has highlighted the need for directed resources to communities that have been affected by such trauma. Harris has previously endorsed the proposal of mental health treatment as a part of reparations, advocating for targeted efforts to address the psychological toll of centuries of oppression.

“Sure. You can look at the issue of untreated and undiagnosed trauma. African-Americans have higher rates of heart disease and high blood pressure….” – VP Harris

Harris has also engaged in policy proposals targeting economic relief for Black Americans, such as the LIFT Act, which aimed to provide financial assistance to low- and middle-income households. This proposal reflects her broader approach to tackling economic inequality, focusing on systemic issues within areas like housing, healthcare, and education.

There's a fair critique here of Kamala Harris skeptics. What basis do we have for skepticism? I'll lay out my views, which are largely policy-centered. I realize no one cares about what kind of leader Harris will be as President, but if there's one lesson we should take away from… https://t.co/6wWtMQMfJF pic.twitter.com/XdQJUmFAt4

— Matt Stoller (@matthewstoller) July 20, 2024

The Broader Legislative Context

The broader legislative context of reparations includes the House proposal, known as H.R. 40, which aims to establish a commission to study and develop reparations proposals. Harris has endorsed this bill during her tenure in the Senate and continues to support its principles. The bill faces several challenges, including opposition from Republicans and narrow Democratic majorities in Congress.

“It’s working its way through Congress,” Psaki told reporters when asked if Biden would sign the bill should it pass.

As the political landscape evolves, the next few years will be crucial in determining whether significant progress will be made on reparations. Experts emphasize that this period is critical for advancing policies that address historical racial injustices and pave the way for a more equitable future.