Biden to Sign Bill Making Juneteenth a Holiday in Thursday Event Bloomberg 5 hrs ago Jarrell Dillard (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden plans to sign legislation on Thursday that would make June 19 a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., after the House and Senate passed the bill in votes earlier this week. The measure to establish the Juneteenth National Independence Day passed 415-14 on Wednesday, a day after it cleared the Senate by unanimous consent. “With this step Congress is ensuring that one of the most momentous events in our history, particularly Black Americans, for 150 years now is officially recognized and it is enshrined in our history books and it takes it place of honor in our nation,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday on the House floor before the vote.