'Today we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, what it must be—a national holiday.' Pres. Biden hails establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
commemorating the end of slavery in the United States -- just in time for Saturday's June 19 anniversary.
“Throughout history, Juneteenth has been known by many names: Jubilee Day. Freedom Day. Liberation Day. Emancipation Day. And today, a national holiday,” Harris said, to cheers and applause in the White House East Room filled with about 80 lawmakers and other guests.President Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event to mark the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, June 17, 2021.
"By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day and learn from our history and celebrate progress and grapple with the distance we’ve come but the distance we have to travel," Biden continued."You see this assault from restrictive laws, threats of intimidation, voter purges and more," Biden said."We can't rest until the promise of equality is fulfilled for everyone in every corner of this nation.
Earlier Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats with the Congressional Black Caucus held bill enrollment ceremony to highlight the victory.The group on Capitol Hill sang the hymn"Lift Every Voice and Sing," what's called the Black National Anthem, in unison, to close the ceremony.From left, Majority Whip James Clyburn, Rep. Al Green, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep.
The bill then passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Wednesday before passing the House Thursday night in a 415-14 vote, with all opposition coming from GOP members.
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