(A) Whether the Government of the United 
States should offer a formal apology on behalf 
of the people of the United States for the per-
petration of gross human rights violations on 
African slaves and their descendants. 
(B) Whether African-Americans still suffer 
from the lingering effects of the matters de-
scribed in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4). 
(C) Whether, in consideration of the Com-
mission’s findings, any form of compensation to 
the descendants of African slaves is warranted. 
(D) If the Commission finds that such 
compensation is warranted, what should be the 
amount of compensation, what form of com-
pensation should be awarded, and who should 
be eligible for such compensation. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Commission shall 
submit a written report of its findings and recommenda-
tions to the Congress not later than the date which is one 
year after the date of the first meeting of the Commission 
held pursuant to section 4(c). 
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP. 
(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.—(1) The Commis-
sion shall be composed of 7 members, who shall be ap-
pointed, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, as follows: 
(A) Three members shall be appointed by the 
President. 
(B) Three members shall be appointed by the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
(C) One member shall be appointed by the 
President pro tempore of the Senate. 
(2) All members of the Commission shall be persons 
who are especially qualified to serve on the Commission 
by virtue of their education, training, or experience, par-
ticularly in the field of African-American studies. 
(b) TERMS.—The term of office for members shall 
be for the life of the Commission. A vacancy in the Com-
mission shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and 
shall be filled in the same manner in which the original 
appointment was made. 
(c) FIRST MEETING.—The President shall call the 
first meeting of the Commission within 120 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, or within 30 days after 
the date on which legislation is enacted making appropria-
tions to carry out this Act, whichever date is later. 
(d) QUORUM.—Four members of the Commission 
shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold 
hearings.
(e) CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.—The Commission shall 
elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. 
The term of office of each shall be for the life of the Com-
mission. 
(f) COMPENSATION.—(1) Except as provided in para-
graph (2), each member of the Commission shall receive 
compensation at the daily equivalent of the annual rate 
of basic pay payable for GS–18 of the General Schedule 
under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, for each 
day, including travel time, during which he or she is en-
gaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the 
Commission. 
(2) A member of the Commission who is a full-time 
officer or employee of the United States or a Member of 
Congress shall receive no additional pay, allowances, or 
benefits by reason of his or her service to the Commission. 
(3) All members of the Commission shall be reim-
bursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary ex-
penses incurred by them in the performance of their duties 
to the extent authorized by chapter 57 of title 5, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. 
(a) HEARINGS
AND SESSIONS.—The Commission 
may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this 
Act, hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and