A Texas Republican congressman has taken a stand against state and local reparations programs by introducing legislation to prevent federal funds from supporting them. Representative Brian Babin's "No Bailouts for Reparations Act" aims to prohibit federal loans, grants, or any other financial assistance from going to jurisdictions that implement reparations based on race, ethnicity, national origin, or slavery.

Babin argues that American taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of what he calls "radical, race-based reparation payments." The bill's scope is specifically targeted at the governmental unit enacting the reparations program, not the entire state or locality.

The bill has garnered support from 13 of Babin's Republican colleagues, including Representatives Troy Nehls and Ronny Jackson of Texas, Burgess Owens of Utah, and Scott Franklin of Florida.

This legislative move comes amidst ongoing discussions about reparations in various states and cities, including California and Atlanta. In Fulton County, Georgia, a task force has been allocated $250,000 to investigate the county's historical ties to slavery and potential injustices against its Black residents. Task force member Mike Russell emphasized the importance of addressing past wrongs while acknowledging the progress made by the United States. The task force is examining various historical records, including land leases and prison documents, to determine the appropriate course of action.

The issue of reparations remains highly contentious, with opponents arguing that it exacerbates racial divisions and unfairly burdens individuals who were not involved in past injustices. The Fulton County board's decision to fund the task force was not unanimous, passing with a 4-3 vote in January.