The US Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act Tuesday to commemorate the end of slavery in the US by establishing Juneteenth as a legal public holiday.

Juneteenth was celebrated as “Emancipation Day” in some southern states after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to declare “all persons held as slaves” in rebellious states as free people. Though the Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, enslaved African Americans in Texas were not informed until June 19, 1865. The following year, African Americans in Texas and in some neighboring states celebrated Emancipation Day with “prayer service, speakers with inspirational messages, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, food, red soda water, games, rodeos, and dances.”

Bill S.475 would amend title 5 of the US Code to designate June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the eleventh US federal holiday. The bill, which passed in the Senate without amendment, is set to be referred to the House of Representatives.

Rep. Alma Adams, a Congresswoman who represents North Carolina’s 12th District, stated, “I am overjoyed the United States Senate voted unanimously to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The long March to freedom—and the work we still have to do—is something all Americans should celebrate and reflect on. I look forward to voting for this legislation in the House.”