Today the House of Representatives will hold a vote to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The June 19th holiday marks the date that the news of emancipation of slaves reached those in the southwestern United States in 1865. On Tuesday, the bill passed unanimously in the Senate with more than 60 co-sponsors between both parties.
Happy that my bill to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday just passed the Senate. It has been a state holiday in Texas for more than 40 years. Now more than ever, we need to learn from our history and continue to form a more perfect union. https://t.co/EpcJCUmfmn
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) June 15, 2021
The Hill reports:
The bill passed by unanimous consent in the Senate on Tuesday night, and it seems likely to pass the House, which would send the legislation creating the federal holiday to President Biden‘s desk.
It is unclear whether the House will take the same route or hold an official roll call vote.
Today, the House will take up legislation to make #Juneteenth a federal holiday. I thank @JacksonLeeTX18, @SenMarkey, and @JohnCornyn for their leadership in advancing this important measure.
I look forward to bringing this bill to the Floor, and urge bipartisan support.
— Steny Hoyer (@RepStenyHoyer) June 16, 2021
