Congressmen Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar broke from the rest of the Arizona’s House caucus in rejecting S. 475, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. The bill passed by a vote of 415-14, a day after the Senate approved it by unanimous consent.
“Our country is divided, and the cultural and political Marxists are continuing their relentless efforts to divide this country further,” said Gosar. “Juneteenth is more debunked Critical Race Theory in action. I reject racism. I reject the racial division people are promoting. I voted no because this proposed holiday does not bring us together, it tears us apart.”
“I cannot support efforts that furthers racial divisions in this country. We have one Independence Day, and it applies equally to all people of all races,” concluded Congressman Gosar.
I voted against a bill that would make Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. Like with everything else, the Democrats weaponized this bill for their own agenda. My thoughts below: pic.twitter.com/Prwmh5woHe
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) June 17, 2021
The 12 Republicans who joined Biggs and Gosar in voting against the bill were Reps. Mo Brooks (Ala.), Andrew Clyde (Ga.), Scott DesJarlais (Tenn.), Ronny Jackson (Texas), Doug LaMalfa (Calif.), Thomas Massie (Ky.), Tom McClintock (Calif.), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Mike Rogers (Ala.), Matt Rosendale (Mont.), Chip Roy (Texas) and Tom Tiffany (Wis.).
Republicans also said they objected to officially calling the holiday “Juneteenth National Independence Day” out of concerns it could be confused with Independence Day on July 4.
I am very pleased Congress has voted to make #Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Black history is American history. I look forward to this bill being signed into law, and using this holiday annually to educate and celebrate.
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) June 16, 2021