Republican Colorado Senator Cory Gardner and Democrat Colorado Senator Michael Bennet are working together to make Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday.

According to The Coloradoan, the two politicians are cosponsoring a bill that would federally recognize the holiday in the Senate, along with Republican Senator John Cornyn, of Texas, and Democrat Senator Ed Markey, of Massachusetts.

Colorado has observed Juneteenth, which celebrates the day slavery ended in the United States, as a state holiday since 2004.

"For 155 years, Juneteenth has marked the end of one of the darkest chapters in our nation's history. This day is a reminder of not only where we have come from but also how much farther we have to go," said Gardner in a statement about the bill. "It's time to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, and I am glad to join this bipartisan legislation in the United States Senate."

According to ABC News, the U.S. House of Representatives is also looking into a similar bill.

The bills come amidst the George Floyd protests, which began after his death on May 25. The Colorado Senate also passed a police accountability bill on June 9.

There is no word yet as to when the bills will be up for a vote.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

PHOTOS: Protests around the world in the wake of George Floyd's death

 

More From 99.9 The Point