Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


On Juneteenth, a Reparations Bill Sparks Debate

VOA News

   An intense debate erupted at the first congressional hearing in 10
   years to explore whether the descendants of U.S. slaves should be
   compensated.

   Some said reparations would damage the relationship between white and
   black Americans, while others said it was key to achieving justice.

   Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made it clear that no
   reparations bill would pass while he controlledthe Senate. Asked about
   the issue Tuesday, McConnell told reporters, "I think we're always a
   work in progress in this country, but no one currently alive was
   responsible for that."

   Rep. Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, was booed as he spoke
   against "the injustice of monetary reparations from current taxpayers
   for the sins of a small subset of Americans from many generations ago."

.