Political Quotes

“I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon) for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the rule before us today provides for consideration of S. 475, a bipartisan bill establishing a national holiday on June 19, known as Juneteenth National Independence Day. The June 19th date marks the date that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery and the Civil War. I am honored to stand here with my colleague from Pennsylvania as the Battle of Gettysburg, of course, took place in Pennsylvania, involving the largest number of Civil War casualties, and marked the turning point of the war. In fact, Mr. Speaker, the Keystone State played a crucial part in the Civil War. My State provided over 350,000 soldiers and sailors, more than any other Northern State except New York. Pennsylvania also served as a vital resource for military equipment and food for the Union Army. As I already mentioned, the Commonwealth was the site of the world's largest battle, that of Gettysburg. So, it probably comes as no surprise that Pennsylvania already recognizes Juneteenth. In fact, since 1980, 47 States, including, as I said, my home State of Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia, have issued legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday or as a day of observance.…”