[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 196 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 196

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                      December 7, 2005.
Whereas on December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was 
        ratified, proclaiming that ``neither slavery nor involuntary servitude . 
        . . shall exist within the United States'';
Whereas the ratification of the 13th Amendment began a civil rights movement 
        which would radically change African American existence in the United 
        States;
Whereas the 13th Amendment represented a victory for African Americans across 
        the United States, who had been denied the rights of full citizens;
Whereas the 13th Amendment is a symbol of the Federal Government's commitment to 
        fulfill its promise of equality, liberty, and the American dream for all 
        Americans because it liberated African Americans from the yoke of 
        slavery and launched a new age activism advocating equal rights for all 
        minorities;
Whereas December 6, 2005, marks the 140th anniversary of the ratification of the 
        13th Amendment;
Whereas the observation of the 140th anniversary would put into effect section 2 
        of the Amendment, by reaffirming Congress' ``power to enforce this 
        article by appropriate legislation''; and
Whereas the 13th Amendment Foundation supports the establishment of a national 
        day of recognition commemorating the anniversary of the ratification of 
        the 13th Amendment to renew a national commitment to eradicate racial 
        and ethnic inequalities: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 140th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th 
        Amendment to the Constitution;
            (2) encourages the American people to educate and instill pride and 
        purpose into their communities about the history of liberation and the 
        civil rights movement in the United States; and
            (3) encourages the American people to observe the anniversary of the 
        ratification of the 13th Amendment each year by honoring its 
        significance in United States history with appropriate programs and 
        activities.



            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.