Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR295

Introduced
4/13/23  

Caption

Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation's capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the "first freed" on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

Impact

The bill serves not only as a commemoration of a significant historical event but also as a statement advocating for improved representation for citizens of Washington, D.C. The significance of recognizing D.C. Emancipation Day as a public holiday helps reinforce the ongoing discussions about civil rights and representation. The resolution aligns with broader efforts to push for statehood for the District of Columbia, which has been a focal point of debate regarding the political status of territories and citizenship rights in the U.S.

Summary

HR295 recognizes the cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the District of Columbia, specifically marking the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862. This legislation effectively freed approximately 3,100 enslaved individuals in the district and aimed to highlight the importance of this act in American history. Additionally, the resolution celebrates the passage of the Washington, D.C. statehood bill in the House of Representatives, underscoring the continued advocacy for voting rights for D.C. residents who currently lack comprehensive representation in Congress.

Contention

While the bill may be seen as a unifying recognition of a historical struggle for freedom, it also touches upon contentious issues regarding the political representation of D.C. residents. Critics of the statehood movement argue against granting full representation based on various legal and political grounds. Meanwhile, supporters of D.C. statehood emphasize the principles of democracy and representation, invoking the notion of 'no taxation without representation' as a rallying cry for ensuring that the citizens of the District are afforded rights equivalent to those living in states.

Companion Bills

US HR1146

Related Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation's capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the "first freed" on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

Previously Filed As

US HR1146

Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation's capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the "first freed" on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

US HR333

Recognizing the enduring cultural and historical significance of emancipation in the Nation's capital on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which established the "first freed" on April 16, 1862, and celebrating passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.

US HR340

Recognizing the disenfranchisement of District of Columbia residents, calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, and expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2023, as "D.C. Statehood Day".

US HR446

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, the denial of full participation in their Government through statehood by active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

US HR368

Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical significance of Emancipation Day to the Virgin Islands of the United States and the Nation.

US HR374

Recognizing the disenfranchisement of District of Columbia residents, calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, and expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2025, as "D.C. Statehood Day".

US HR855

Recognizing the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemning the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51 and S. 51), particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.

US HR1190

Recognizing the disenfranchisement of District of Columbia residents, calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, and expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2024, as "D.C. Statehood Day".

US HR1567

Recognizing the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemning the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51 and S. 51), particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.

US HR1249

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, the denial of full participation in their Government through statehood by active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

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