West Issues Statement on Cornyn's Decision to File Juneteenth Bill

Statement

State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) on Thursday issued the following statement concerning Senator John Cornyn's decision to file a bill making Juneteenth a national holiday:

"I'm glad to see that Senator Cornyn is beginning to recognize the present realities.

I do not believe he would be doing so were it not for my actions and the actions of thousands of other Texans, holding him accountable for his nearly two decades of inaction on race relations in the U.S. Senate. I'm glad to be a voice for those Texans who want to hold John Cornyn accountable.

It should not have taken John Cornyn 17 years to decide to propose this legislation.

Texas made Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980.

I'm glad to welcome him to our side, but I also question why he didn't more publicly join with Texas Congresswoman Shiela Jackson Lee, who has faithfully reintroduced legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday year after year. Why not engage in bi-partisan cooperation?

With all due respect, I'm glad Senator Cornyn has awoken to some present realities. However, he's still not "woke.' And there is a difference.

When will he publicly say the words, "black lives matter," and acknowledge that systemic racism exists in this nation?"

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