Wicker, Cochran Commemorate Juneteenth Independence Day with Senate Resolution

From Press Release: Unanimous Resolution Marks End of Slavery, Advocates Greater Understanding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today announced unanimous approval of a Senate resolution they cosponsored to commemorate Juneteenth Independence Day.

The resolution designates June 19, 2015, as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in recognition of June 19, 1865. This date signifies the true end of slavery in the United States, when the end of the Civil War was finally announced in Galveston, Texas, and the full force of the Emancipation Proclamation was felt throughout the nation. Today, celebrations commemorating this historic moment take place across the country, including in Mississippi.

“This resolution highlights an important day in American history and a landmark moment for freedom, which we continue to defend today,” Wicker said. “The 150th anniversary of this commemoration is an especially significant reminder of our commitment to justice and equality.”

“Juneteenth honors our shared past and reminds us of our continued work to create a fair and just nation,” Cochran said. “I appreciate the support in the Senate for recognizing an important anniversary in our history and its influence today.”

This year marks the 150th Juneteenth anniversary. S.Res.201, introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), was passed unanimously this week.

The resolution states that the U.S. Senate “recognizes that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States,” and “supports the continued nationwide celebration of ‘Juneteenth Independence Day’ to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the United States."

The measure also acknowledges that 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which advanced the cause of fair elections free from racial discrimination.

LINK
S.Res.201: [http://1.usa.gov/1RgohcR]

Sen. John Cornyn on Obama: “He’s asking for a blank check, in essence, $3.7 billion, but no reform."

There’s no shortage of criticism on Capitol Hill over how President Obama has handled the escalating humanitarian crisis at the border, but don’t look for Congress to simply rubber stamp his $3.7 billion emergency spending request.

The concerns are not only coming from Republicans. Democrats have as many questions of their own over the White House proposal.

“It’s something we have to do. It’s something we have to do,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters today. “How we get there, I really don’t know at this stage.”

Some Republicans are uncertain they can support a bill–even one to strengthen border security–if the costs aren’t offset by budget cuts elsewhere.“He’s asking for a blank check, in essence, $3.7 billion, but no reform,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters.

Many Democrats are furious at the administration’s sharpening rhetoric about unaccompanied minors crossing the border illegally and the plan to deport most of them. There is resistance from many lawmakers and liberal immigration groups to changing the 2008 law at the root of the current crisis.

More at ABC News: Don’t Look for Congress to Rubber Stamp Obama’s $3.7B Border Request