[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 45 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 45

    Amending title 36, United States Code, to designate June 19 as 
                    ``Juneteenth Independence Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 19, 2012

  Mrs. Hutchison (for herself, Mr. Levin, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Cardin, Ms. 
Landrieu, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mrs. Boxer, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Harkin, Mr. 
 Begich, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Warner, Mr. Webb, Mr. Nelson of Florida, and 
 Mr. Akaka) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read 
          twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
    Amending title 36, United States Code, to designate June 19 as 
                    ``Juneteenth Independence Day''.

Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach the frontier of the United 
        States, and in particular the Southwestern States, for more than 2\1/2\ 
        years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation 
        Proclamation 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 slaves were free;
Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 
        19, 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 
        honored African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and 
        respect for all cultures; and
Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves remain 
        an example for all people of the United States, regardless of their 
        background, religion, or race: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF JUNE 19 AS JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 145. Juneteenth Independence Day
    ``(a) Designation.--June 19 is Juneteenth Independence Day.
    ``(b) Proclamation.--The President is requested to issue each year 
a proclamation calling on State and local governments and the people of 
the United States to observe Juneteenth Independence Day with 
appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 1 of 
title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``145. Juneteenth Independence Day.''.
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