Senate Apologizes for Failure to Pass Anti-Lynching Legislation in Early-1900s

Senate Apologizes for Failure to Pass Anti-Lynching Legislation in Early-1900s

Cantwell: Senate must use unity from vote to address important issues facing America

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) this evening applauded the Senate's unanimous support for a resolution that apologizes to victims of lynching. Recognizing the Senate's failure to pass anti-lynching legislation during the first half of the 20 th century, the resolution also expresses sympathy to victims' families, and notes that America should never forget the horrific crimes.

Cantwell, who co-sponsored the resolution along with 76 other senators, sees the apology as an important statement on behalf of the institution of the Senate.

"This apology does not rectify the Senate's previous inaction, nor should it fully ease the lingering pain caused by these preventable tragedies," Cantwell said. " The apology, however, is an important statement about what the Senate can become if we work together to solve America 's problems, and an important reminder that indifference to those problems is inexcusable."

Cantwell continued, "My hope is that the Senate will remember these heinous crimes, and the unity with which we condemn them today, when considering other legislation important to minorities in America . This Senate needs to address unemployment discrimination, end school funding inequalities, make sure every American has health insurance, and get serious about workforce investment. Improving the lives of Americans today is the best way to apologize for the past."

It is estimated that between 1882 and 1968, over 4,700 Americans were lynched, but the Senate passed no laws during those years making it a federal crime.

http://cantwell.senate.gov/news/releases/2005_06_13_Lynching_Apology.html