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.
USA119th CongressHRES-333| House
| Updated: 4/14/2025
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Democratic Representative
District of Columbia
Oversight and Government Reform Committee
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted
This resolution recognizes the profound cultural and historical importance of District of Columbia Emancipation Day , commemorating the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862. This act freed approximately 3,100 enslaved individuals in the Nation's capital, predating the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment, and symbolizing a significant step towards freedom. The resolution further highlights that District residents, despite paying federal taxes and fulfilling civic duties, are denied voting representation in Congress and independence from federal interference. It celebrates the House of Representatives' previous passage of the Washington, DC Admission Act and explicitly calls on Congress to enact this legislation. This call connects the historical struggle for emancipation with the contemporary pursuit of full democratic rights and statehood for the District of Columbia.
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Timeline
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 118-295Recognizing 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.
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 118-1146Recognizing 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.
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 117-1053Recognizing 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.
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 116-929Recognizing 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 attaining the requisite number of cosponsors for passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Government Operations and Politics
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.
USA119th CongressHRES-333| House
| Updated: 4/14/2025
This resolution recognizes the profound cultural and historical importance of District of Columbia Emancipation Day , commemorating the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862. This act freed approximately 3,100 enslaved individuals in the Nation's capital, predating the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment, and symbolizing a significant step towards freedom. The resolution further highlights that District residents, despite paying federal taxes and fulfilling civic duties, are denied voting representation in Congress and independence from federal interference. It celebrates the House of Representatives' previous passage of the Washington, DC Admission Act and explicitly calls on Congress to enact this legislation. This call connects the historical struggle for emancipation with the contemporary pursuit of full democratic rights and statehood for the District of Columbia.
View Full TextSuggested Questions
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 118-295Recognizing 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.
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 118-1146Recognizing 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.
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 117-1053Recognizing 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.
Bill from Previous Congress
HRES 116-929Recognizing 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 attaining the requisite number of cosponsors for passage of the District of Columbia statehood bill in the House of Representatives.
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Democratic Representative
District of Columbia
Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Government Operations and Politics
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor
- Passed Chamber
- Enacted