[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 30, 2020)]
[House]
[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.

                          ____________________