S.Res. 496Senate112th Congress (2011-2013)Passed Congress

A resolution observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

Sponsored by Carl LevinSen. Carl Levin (D-MI)
Introduced June 19, 2012

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Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4308-4310; text as passed Senate: CR S4308; text of measure as introduced: CR S4304)

June 19, 2012

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 19, 2012

SenateFloor

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4308-4310; text as passed Senate: CR S4308; text of measure as introduced: CR S4304)

June 19, 2012

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about S.Res. 496 on the floor

3 Democrats
Barbara Boxer
Sen. Barbara BoxerD-CA · Jun 19, 2012

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration en bloc of the following resolutions which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 496, S. Res. 497, S.…

Carl Levin
Sen. Carl LevinD-MI · Jun 19, 2012

Mr. President, this week people all across our Nation are engaging in the oldest known observance of the ending of slavery-- ``Juneteenth Independence Day.'' Although passage of the 13th Amendment,…

Carl Levin
Sen. Carl LevinD-MI · Jun 21, 2012

Mr. President, today is the culmination of several days of activities across the Nation in recognition of the oldest known observance of the ending of slavery--``Juneteenth Independence Day''. It was…

Dianne Feinstein
Sen. Dianne FeinsteinD-CA · Jun 19, 2012

Mr. President, I am in support of this resolution with Senator Boxer congratulating the Los Angeles Kings on their 2012 Stanley Cup Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate…

Bill Text

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Agreed to SenateIssued June 19, 2012

III

112th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 496

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 19, 2012

Mr. Levin (for himself, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mrs. Boxer, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Begich, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Warner, Mr. Webb, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Casey, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Schumer, and Mrs. Gillibrand) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

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 21/2 years after President Abraham 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 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 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 remain an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now, therefore, be it

That—

(1)

the Senate—

(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 Senate 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.