Whereas this resolution may be cited as the original resolution declaring unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination and providing for the establishment of a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation;

Whereas this resolution is presented in the spirit of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who—on January 8, 1964, after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, during a time of great turmoil—proclaimed, This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America … Our aim is not only to relieve the symptoms of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it.;

Whereas President Barack Obama indicated, In fact, if we hadn’t declared unconditional war on poverty in America, millions more Americans would be living in poverty today.;

Whereas some of the programs produced by the War on Poverty include Medicaid, Medicare, expanded Social Security, and Head Start—all of which are still needed today;

Whereas racism and invidious discrimination—like poverty in 1964—remain pervasive in our country;

Whereas history is replete with examples of victims of racism and invidious discrimination being denied life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;

Whereas systemic and institutionalized racism and invidious discrimination exist in virtually all areas of American life, including policing, criminal justice, housing, banking, voting, employment, education, the environment, and health care; and

Whereas the protestations in the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd are a clear indication that it has become necessary for Congress to take decisive, immediate and long-term legislative action to address the elimination of racism and invidious discrimination: Now, therefore, be it