Juneteenth Now a Federal Holiday

President Joe Biden signed legislation Thursday to make Juneteenth a federal holiday after overwhelming congressional support.

4th District Representative Dan Newhouse voted in favor of the June 19th holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., saying it was important to recognize the significant part of our history.

"It hasn't always been easy in this country to strive for the ideals that we stand for, but we ultimately prevail." Newhouse stated, "The idea of equality in our country should be celebrated. Through this recognition of this holiday we can continue to do so."

The House passed the bill 415-14, while the Senate voted unanimously in favor of the legislation.

Juneteenth becomes the first federal holiday signed into law since President Ronald Reagan approved Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.