RECOGNIZING JUNE 19, 2020, AS THIS YEAR'S OBSERVANCE OF THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 120
(House of Representatives - June 30, 2020)
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[Page H2682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING JUNE 19, 2020, AS THIS YEAR'S OBSERVANCE OF THE HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the
Committee on Oversight and Reform be discharged from further
consideration of H. Res. 1001 and ask for its immediate consideration
in the House.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Texas?
There was no objection.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res 1001
Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier
areas of the United States, and in particular the
Southwestern States, for more than 2\1/2\ years after
President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which was
issued on January 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of
the Civil War;
Whereas, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major
General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news
that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free;
Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the
Southwest celebrated June 19th, commonly known as
``Juneteenth Independence Day'', as the anniversary of their
emancipation;
Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the
tradition of celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as
inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
Whereas for more than 150 years, Juneteenth Independence
Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American
freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for
all cultures; and
Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by
former slaves remains an example for all people of the United
States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) the House of Representatives--
(A) recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth
Independence Day to the Nation;
(B) supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth
Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of
the United States to learn more about the past and to better
understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
(C) encourages the people of the United States to observe
Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs; and
(2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
(A) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important
and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United
States; and
(B) history should be regarded as a means for understanding
the past and solving the challenges of the future.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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