Recognizing the historical significance of the Clotilda, condemning the United States role in the Atlantic slave trade, and acknowledging its lasting impact on African Americans.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1086
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-26: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-05T09:06:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1086) aims to formally recognize the historical importance of the Clotilda—the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States in 1860—condemn the United States' involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, and acknowledge the ongoing effects of slavery on African Americans. It promotes racial healing, justice, and reconciliation by highlighting resilience and cultural preservation among affected communities.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes the following main elements, based on its "Whereas" clauses and resolved statements:
- Historical Context: Notes that the Clotilda carried 110 enslaved Africans to Mobile, Alabama, in 1860, over 50 years after the U.S. banned the international slave trade in 1808. Survivors established communities, including Africatown near Mobile, where they preserved their African language, customs, and heritage.
- Broader Legacy: Describes the Atlantic slave trade as a forced removal of millions of Africans to the Americas, causing intergenerational trauma, family disruptions, and cultural loss. It highlights the U.S. government's role through laws, politics, and economics in supporting the trade.
- Specific Actions by the House:
- Recognizes the 110 Africans aboard the Clotilda and their descendants' enduring impacts.
- Acknowledges the Clotilda as the last known U.S. slave ship and the slave trade's harm to African Americans.
- Condemns U.S. institutions for facilitating the trade.
- Affirms the importance of Africatown and similar communities, urging support for their preservation.
- Encourages the Architect of the Capitol (the official responsible for maintaining the U.S. Capitol complex) to consider a memorial on Capitol grounds honoring the Clotilda's story and all victims of the slave trade.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House of Representatives' views but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It introduces no enforceable changes to statutes, regulations, or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May prompt symbolic actions, such as the Architect of the Capitol exploring a memorial, but has no mandatory requirements. It could influence future congressional discussions on historical recognition or reparative measures.
- On Citizens: Provides formal acknowledgment for African American communities, potentially aiding emotional and cultural healing. It highlights sites like Africatown, which could boost preservation efforts, tourism, or education about slavery's legacy.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces U.S. condemnation of the slave trade, aligning with global efforts to address historical injustices without affecting diplomacy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- African American Descendants: Particularly those from the Clotilda survivors and communities like Africatown, who gain official recognition of their history and trauma.
- Local Communities in Alabama: Residents of areas such as Mobile, Pickens, and Montgomery Counties, where survivors settled, benefiting from urged preservation support.
- U.S. Congress and Capitol Officials: The House of Representatives adopts the statement; the Architect of the Capitol may consider memorial proposals.
- Broader Public and Educators: Supports historical education and racial reconciliation efforts nationwide.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it carries no legal weight or enforceability, similar to a sense-of-Congress statement. It does not infringe on constitutional rights or require funding.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on historical matters under Article I, without executive or judicial involvement.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan (though introduced by Democrats) effort to address racial history, potentially advancing discussions on reparations or equity. It underscores ongoing debates about America's reckoning with slavery, fostering reconciliation but risking partisan divides on implementation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
Cosponsors (24)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-26: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-02-26: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-02-26: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the historical significance of the Clotilda, condemning the United States role in the Atlantic slave trade, and acknowledging its lasting impact on African Americans. — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (3 pages)