Recognizing the 159th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

Bill Number

H.Res. 315

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2025-04-10T18:29:32Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 315) aims to commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 by recognizing its historical importance in establishing equal legal protections for all U.S. citizens, regardless of race. It highlights the Act's role in countering post-Civil War discrimination and its influence on later constitutional amendments.

Key Provisions

• Historical Background: The resolution outlines the context of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, including its passage on April 9, 1866, after overriding President Andrew Johnson's veto. It describes the Act as the first federal law defining citizenship and ensuring equal protection under the law for all citizens.
• Legislative History: Details the introduction by Senator Lyman Trumbull, Senate approval (33-13 vote), House approval (111-38 vote), presidential veto (March 27, 1866), and overrides (Senate 33-15, House 122-41).
• Response to Post-War Conditions: Notes how Southern states under President Johnson's reconstruction policy enacted "Black Codes" to restrict freed Black Americans' rights, such as owning property, making contracts, and accessing labor protections, in an effort to undermine the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Resolution's Affirmations:
• Recognizes the Act's impact on equal protection for all Americans irrespective of race.
• Acknowledges it as the foundation for the Thirteenth Amendment (abolishing slavery) and Fourteenth Amendment (guaranteeing equal protection and due process).
• Emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law to protect all Americans' rights.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It serves as a symbolic statement by the House of Representatives rather than enacting new policy or amending statutes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may encourage congressional committees (e.g., Judiciary) to reflect on civil rights history during oversight or educational initiatives.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of civil rights milestones, potentially fostering greater appreciation for equal protection principles among educators, activists, and the general public, especially communities affected by historical discrimination.
• On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic U.S. history without addressing foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Civil Rights Advocates and Communities: Particularly African Americans and organizations focused on racial justice, who benefit from historical recognition of anti-discrimination efforts.
• Members of Congress: Sponsors (e.g., Rep. Jackson of Illinois and cosponsors) and the House Judiciary Committee, which receives the resolution for review.
• Historians and Educators: Gain reinforcement for teaching the Act's role in Reconstruction-era reforms.
• General Public: Indirectly affected through heightened awareness of foundational civil rights laws.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces the enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 as a precursor to key amendments, underscoring Congress's historical power to override vetoes and expand federal protections against state-level discrimination. It highlights the Act's integration into modern equal protection doctrine without creating new legal obligations.
• Political: As a bipartisan or progressive-led resolution (introduced by Democratic members), it promotes unity on civil rights issues during the 119th Congress, potentially signaling ongoing congressional commitment to addressing racial inequities amid contemporary debates on voting rights and equality. No enforceable outcomes, but it could inspire future commemorative or substantive legislation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1]

Cosponsors (10)

Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-04-09: Submitted in House
• 2025-04-09: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the 159th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (3 pages)