US President Joe Biden waves at press as he arrives to the US-Russia summit at the Villa La Grange, in Geneva on June 16, 2021.Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
Days after the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to approve the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, the U.S. House of Representatives has done the same. By a vote of 415-14, the House approved legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. As a result, the bill will head to President Joe Biden's desk this week.
“This comes at an important time, Madam Chair. Across the country we are seeing efforts to eliminate the teaching of our country's history, like the injustices of slavery, from being taught in our own schools,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib said about the bill.
“This national holiday will serve as a powerful reminder that we cannot run from our past.”
Of the 14 lawmakers that voted against the bill, all of them were members of the Republican Party. Congressman Chip Roy claims he voted against the bill because he doesn't believe the title, National Independence Day, is fitting for the Juneteenth holiday. Meanwhile, Rep. Matt Rosedale claims that the bill was pushed forth to create further division in American society.
"Juneteenth is more debunked Critical Race Theory in action. I reject racism. I reject the racial division people are promoting. I voted no because this proposed holiday does not bring us together, it tears us apart," Roy stated.
"I cannot support efforts that further racial divisions in this country. We have one Independence Day, and it applies equally to all people of all races."
Despite pushback from a small group of Republican lawmakers, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill this afternoon. Shortly thereafter, Deadline reports that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver remarks.
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