# What This Resolution Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that declares Congress's commitment to fighting racism and discrimination in America. Think of it as an official statement of intent rather than a law that immediately changes things. The resolution condemns racism as fundamentally wrong and incompatible with American values, and it calls for Congress to take serious legislative action to address discrimination across the country.

The main concrete proposal is to create a new Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation—essentially a major government agency similar to the Department of Defense or Department of Education. This department would be led by a Secretary of Reconciliation (a position requiring presidential appointment and Senate approval) and would be tasked with developing and implementing a national strategy to eliminate racism and discrimination. The resolution suggests this new department should receive a budget equal to at least 10 percent of what the Defense Department gets, which would be tens of billions of dollars annually. The Secretary would report to Congress twice a year on progress.

The resolution references systemic discrimination in policing, criminal justice, housing, banking, voting, employment, education, environmental policy, and healthcare—acknowledging that discrimination isn't just individual prejudice but built into institutions and systems. It draws inspiration from President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" in 1964, which created programs like Medicare and Medicaid that still exist today, suggesting this effort would similarly create lasting programs and policies.

However, it's important to understand that this resolution is primarily a statement of values and direction. It doesn't automatically create the department or allocate funds—that would require separate legislation to pass. This is Congress saying "we should do this," but the actual work of creating the department, defining its powers, and funding it would require additional bills to become law.

Declaring unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination and providing for the establishment of a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation charged with eliminating racism and invidious discrimination.

Green, Al

 <p> This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. (Invidious discrimination generally refers to discrimination based on a classification that is arbitrary or irrational and not related to a legitimate purpose.)</p> <p>The resolution also expresses the intention of the House of Representatives to pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination.</p>