H.R. 1320.Sen. Edward Markey presented S.475along with Sens. Cory Booker and Tina Smith."For too long, we have tried to whitewash our nation’s history instead of confronting the uncomfortable and painful truth," Markey said. "This legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday is but one step we can take to begin to right the wrongs of the past and ensure equal justice in the future."Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. (Source: Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau) The Senate bill enjoys bipartisan support.
Thirty-three Democrats have cosponsored the bill while 16 Republicans have, which would indicate 52 yes votes. Adding in Markey, Smith and Booker raises that total to 55 and brings.