(Houston, TX) – Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that she joined Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) as an original co-sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, H.R. 7232, to designate June 19 as federal holiday each year.  On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas that “all slaves are free” and that there would be “an absolute equality of personal rights.”

“Juneteenth represents the promise of equality, opportunity, and freedom.  In the 155 years since the announcement of freedom and equal rights in Texas, we Americans have struggled to make that promise a reality for all,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “I am committed to continuing the work and the fight for equality and justice.  

“I thank Congresswoman Jackson Lee for her leadership in helping all Americans recognize this important history, including her effort to establish the Emancipation Trail as a National Historic Trail.  I am proud to join her and my colleagues from Texas and across the country to recognize the significance of this day to all Americans.”

Fletcher is also an original co-sponsor of H.R. Res. 1001 recognizing June 19, 2020 as this year’s observance of the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.