This resolution recognizes the 159th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1866, the first federal law defining citizenship and guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens.
Jonathan Jackson
Representative
IL-1
This resolution commemorates the 159th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1866. It recognizes this Act as the first federal law defining citizenship and guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens. Furthermore, the resolution highlights the Act's foundational role in shaping the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. Congress affirms its commitment to supporting and defending the rights belonging to all Americans.
Congress Recognizes 159th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866: The Law That Started It All
This resolution isn't about passing a new law or changing your tax bracket; it’s about taking a moment to remember the foundation. Specifically, the House of Representatives is officially recognizing the 159th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This is a big deal because, as the resolution points out, this Act was the very first federal law to define U.S. citizenship and guarantee equal protection under the law for all citizens, regardless of race.
The Original Blueprint for Equality
The 1866 Act was a direct response to the "Black Codes" passed in Southern states after the Civil War. Think of these codes as local rules designed to keep newly freed Black Americans from owning property, signing contracts, or even having basic labor rights—basically trying to roll back the clock on emancipation. This resolution details how Congress stepped in, passing the Act to fight these restrictions. When President Andrew Johnson vetoed it on March 27, 1866, both the Senate (33 to 15) and the House (122 to 41) successfully overrode the veto, making it the law of the land.
Why the 1866 Act Still Matters
For those of us who live by the guarantees of the Constitution, the resolution highlights the 1866 Act as the blueprint for the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. That’s right—the ideas that established birthright citizenship and due process (the stuff that keeps your boss from firing you without cause or ensures you get a fair shake in court) first got their legislative start here. It means the legal framework that protects your right to own a home, start a business, or sign a lease has its roots in this 159-year-old fight for fairness.
Supporting the Rule of Law
Ultimately, this resolution is Congress affirming its commitment to the rule of law. It’s a statement that they support, protect, and defend the rights that belong to all Americans. While it doesn't create new policy or change current regulations, it reinforces the legislative body's respect for the historical struggle for civil rights and reminds everyone that the fight for equal protection is baked into the DNA of American law. It’s a good reminder that the rights we often take for granted today were hard-won through legislative battles centuries ago.