Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and announced the freedom of the last American slaves; belatedly freeing 250,000 slaves in Texas nearly two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth was first celebrated in the Texas state capital in 1867 under the direction of the Freedmen's Bureau.

Today, Juneteenth remains the oldest known celebration of slavery's demise. It commemorates freedom while acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions made by courageous African Americans towards making our great nation the more conscious and accepting country that it has become.

This year, I introduced H. Res. 632 to Honor Juneteenth Independence Day. In introducing this Resolution, I acknowledge State Representative Al Edwards of Texas and all Houstonians who honor Juneteenth as well or all who celebrate this freedom day.

Last year, I introduced H. Res. 268--a Resolution observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day. As we celebrate the anniversary of Juneteenth, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in reflecting upon its significance.

Today, I will be reintroducing the Resolution to commemorate this year's celebration of Juneteenth.

Because it was only after that day in 1865 when General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, on the heels of the most devastating conflict in our country's history, in the aftermath of a civil war that pitted brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor and threatened to tear the fabric of our union apart forever that America truly became the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Not until 1979 when my friend State Representative Al Edwards introduced the bill did Juneteenth become a Texas state holiday. It was first celebrated as such in 1980.

Civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ``Freedom is never free,'' and African American labor leader A. Phillip Randolph often said ``Freedom is never given. It is won.''

We should all recognize the power and the ironic truth of those statements and we should pause to remember the enormous price paid by all Americans in our country's quest to realize its promise.

Juneteenth honors the end of the 400 years of suffering African Americans endured under slavery and celebrates the legacy of perseverance that has become the hallmark of the African American community and its struggle for equality.

Throughout the 1980's and 90's Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a growing and healthy interest from communities and organizations throughout the country.

Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth Organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations--all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.

Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.

As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states come on board and form local committees and organizations to coordinate the activities.

I am very pleased today to say that Members have joined me in introducing H. Res. 268, which is observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, which is going to be this Wednesday, June 19.

I hope that all of those across America will understand the meaning of Juneteenth, which is to express a celebration for the freeing of the slaves, which did not come to the southwestern States, like Texas, until almost 2 years later. That was 1865 after 1863.

Mr. Speaker, I want to quickly change the topic and indicate that I believe it's important to get an understanding of the individual who has allegedly been providing the leaks from the NSA. I have been restrained as to call him anything until the laws determine who he is, but I do believe that we are now tipping the scales of fairness when more and more is coming out in a foreign country, and I do believe something has to be done.

I will be introducing legislation on the reduction of private-intel utilization, an explanation of FISA Court opinions and strengthening the FISA Court because I believe that it is extremely important in strengthening the public trust and in strengthening the rights of the American people. We have to do it, and we have to be able to find this gentleman quickly so that the intelligence that will protect Americans will be done.