H.Res. 546

Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the futu

Sponsor	Rep. Davis, Danny K.
Committee	Oversight and Government Reform
Date	June 22, 2010 (111th Congress, 2nd Session)
Staff Contact	Ja'Ron Smith

H.Res. 546 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) on June 15, 2010.

H.Res. 546 would resolve that:

• “The House of Representatives recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation;
• “The House of Representatives 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
• “It is the sense of the House of Representatives that—
  • “History should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future; and
  • “The celebration of the end of slavery is an important and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United States.”

According to the resolution’s findings, 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 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil War.  African-Americans who had been slaves in the Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth Independence Day, as the anniversary of their emancipation.