The proposed legislation seeks to establish a Commission on Land Reparations , tasked with studying and distributing land reparations to African-American descendants of slaves. This initiative aims to address the historical failure of the Federal Government to fulfill promises of land made to formerly enslaved Black Americans, such as the "40 acres and a mule" under General Sherman's Field Order 15, which were largely unkept or reversed. The bill cites findings related to these unfulfilled promises and the broader institution of slavery as the basis for its purpose. The Commission will consist of 15 members, including politically appointed individuals and subject matter experts in African-American studies and reparatory justice. Its primary duties include identifying eligible individuals , establishing a process for assessing their eligibility, and procuring suitable land from various sources like federal lands or municipal land banks. The Commission is also responsible for determining appropriate compensation, which may be in the form of a land subsidy or a one-time cash payment. To carry out its functions, the Commission will have powers to hold hearings, take testimony, issue subpoenas, and obtain information from federal agencies. It must submit a comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months of its first meeting. The Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting this report, marking the conclusion of its mandate to address historical injustices related to land ownership for descendants of enslaved people.