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.

119th Congress Introduced by Al Green

Establishes the Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation to implement a national strategy to end racism, funded at no less than 10% of the Defense budget, with semi-annual progre

Submitted in House

Overview

H.R. 1493 (119th Congress) is a House resolution proposing an unconditional commitment to eliminating racism and invidious discrimination. It also calls for the creation of a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation to coordinate a national strategy against racism and discrimination, with a specified funding level and reporting requirements.

Main purpose and intent

Declare an “unconditional war” on racism and invidious discrimination.

Establish a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation to lead, implement, and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and discrimination across society.

Ensure ongoing accountability through semi-annual progress reports to Congress.

Key provisions and changes

Establishment of the Department of Reconciliation:

Headed by a Secretary of Reconciliation appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent.
The Department would be responsible for developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination.

Budget and funding:

The Department would have a budget equal to not less than 10 percent of the Defense Department’s budget.

Reporting and accountability:

The Secretary of Reconciliation would provide semi-annual progress reports to Congress.

Legislative basis for action:

The resolution authorizes House action condemning racism and discrimination as antithetical to the U.S. Constitution.
It asserts the need for decisive, immediate, and long-term legislative action to address racism and discrimination, citing contemporary events such as the George Floyd protests as context.

Who/what would be affected

Government structure:

Creates a new Cabinet-level executive department (Department of Reconciliation).

Federal budgeting:

Implies a substantial new funding stream (at least 10% of the Defense Department’s budget) directed to the Department of Reconciliation.

Oversight and reporting:

Requires regular progress reporting to Congress, increasing congressional oversight of anti-racism initiatives.

Executive branch leadership:

Appointment of a Secretary of Reconciliation with Senate confirmation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary (as of August 27, 2026).

Sponsor: Representative Al Green (co-sponsor listed).

No specific effective date or phased timeline is provided in the text; the resolution focuses on establishment and funding guidance, plus reporting cadence.

As a resolution (not a bill to modify law), it expresses intent and sets the framework for potential future legislative action.

Notes

The measure frames its purpose through historical references to past “wars” on poverty and calls for a similar, sustained national effort against racism.

The use of a funding level tied to the Defense Department’s budget is a notable structural detail that would shape the scale of the new department’s resources.