06/17/2021

House Passes Bill to Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday

The Senate unanimously voted for the measure Tuesday

The House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to make Juneteenth a national federal holiday, 415-14, and President Joe Biden is scheduled to sign the bill into law Thursday afternoon.

The June 19 holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. is already celebrated as a state or ceremonial holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. When Biden signs the bill, June 19 will become the country's 11th federal holiday.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to deliver remarks at the signing, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and members of the Congressional Black Caucus will also gather for photos during the bill's enrollment Thursday morning.

Please select this link to read the complete article from NBC News.