H.Res. 268 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 268 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 17, 2013 Ms. Jackson Lee (for herself, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Ms. Brown of Florida, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Cuellar, Mr. O’Rourke, Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Becerra, Mr. Hinojosa, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Bass, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Conyers, Ms. Waters, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mr. Rangel, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Poe of Texas, Ms. Pelosi, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Clarke, Ms. Norton, Mr. Payne, Mr. Meeks, and Mr. Horsford) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day. 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 21⁄2 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 145 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 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.