A resolution commemorating June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 781
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2940)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T14:43:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This Senate resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" to recognize June 19, 1865, when news of the end of slavery reached enslaved people in Texas and other Southwestern States. It highlights the historical delay in emancipation news after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Key Provisions
- Commemorates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day."
- Recognizes the historical significance of the date to the United States.
- Supports ongoing nationwide celebrations to educate the public about the past and the experiences that shaped the country.
- Affirms that the end of slavery forms part of the nation's history and heritage.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The resolution introduces no changes to existing law. It references Juneteenth as an already established federal holiday observed across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Potential Impacts
- Encourages public education and cultural observances without creating new legal obligations.
- No direct effects on government agencies, citizens' rights, or international relations.
- Promotes symbolic recognition of emancipation history for broader public awareness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of the U.S. Senate (as the originating body).
- African American communities and descendants of enslaved people.
- General public and state/local governments participating in celebrations.
- Educational and cultural organizations involved in historical observances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure carries no legal or constitutional force, as it is a non-binding commemorative resolution. It reflects bipartisan Senate support for acknowledging emancipation history, with no alterations to the Constitution or federal statutes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (21)
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2940)
- 2026-06-18: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Commemorating June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States. — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (3 pages)