Historical Events tagged with "congress"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Musicians Testify Against Obscenity in Music

September 19th, 1985 39 years ago

The Parents Music Resource Center, led by Tipper Gore, hosted congressional hearings where prominent musicians, including Frank Zappa and John Denver, testified against the censorship of rock music. The hearings were centered on concerns regarding explicit lyrics and the influence of music on youth. The event highlighted a growing cultural debate over artistic expression versus perceived moral decay in the music industry.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Congress Condemns Japanese American Internment

February 24th, 1983 42 years ago

A special commission of the United States Congress presented findings regarding the unjust internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This formally recognized the wartime actions against these citizens as a grave injustice driven by wartime fear rather than any proven wrongdoing. The commission's report highlighted the government's failure to uphold civil liberties and called for reparations to the affected individuals and families.

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Politics & Government

Michael Myers Expelled from Congress

October 2nd, 1980 44 years ago

Michael Myers, a congressman from Pennsylvania, was expelled from Congress, marking a significant moment in U.S. political history. His expulsion followed a bipartisan vote, reflecting serious allegations against him that raised concerns about ethics and conduct in government. The event drew considerable media attention and raised questions about accountability among elected officials.

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Politics & Government

Restoration of Federal Trust Relations with Paiutes

April 3rd, 1980 44 years ago

The U.S. Congress passed legislation restoring federal recognition and trust status to the 501 members of the Shivwits, Kanosh, Koosharem, Indian Peaks, and Cedar City bands of the Paiute people in Utah. This significant move aimed to rectify past grievances and establish a formal governmental relationship recognizing the sovereignty of these tribal groups. The action was vital in addressing historical injustices and affirmed the rights of the Paiute bands.

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Politics & Government

FSLN Takes Congress, Takes Hostages in Nicaragua

August 22nd, 1978 46 years ago

The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) seized control of the National Congress of Nicaragua, detaining over a thousand hostages. This bold action highlighted the growing power of the FSLN, reflecting widespread discontent against the Somoza regime. The takeover was a significant indication of the escalating revolutionary fervor that characterized Nicaragua during the late 1970s.

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Politics & Government

Congress Passes the D.C. Voting Rights Amendment

August 22nd, 1978 46 years ago

The District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment was passed by Congress, seeking to provide the residents of Washington D.C. with full voting representation in Congress. The amendment aimed to grant D.C. residents the same rights as citizens of states, becoming the first constitutional amendment to address the voting rights of the district. Although it was passed with significant support, it ultimately failed to be ratified by a sufficient number of states, leaving D.C. residents without full voting rights.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Limits Sioux Tribe's Jurisdiction

April 5th, 1977 47 years ago

In a landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court determined that congressional legislation reducing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's reservation size effectively stripped the tribe of its jurisdiction over the area. This decision was a culmination of longstanding disputes regarding the sovereignty of Native American tribes and their territory, specifically concerning legislative actions that affected their rights and governance.

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Crime & Law

Approval of Federal Rules of Evidence

January 2nd, 1975 50 years ago

The United States Congress approved the Federal Rules of Evidence, which were drafted to streamline the process of adjudicating cases in federal courts. These rules aimed to enhance fairness and efficiency in trials by establishing clear guidelines for the admissibility of evidence. The move was part of broader reforms in the justice system, seeking to improve legal processes and protect the rights of individuals involved in litigation.

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Politics & Government

House Judiciary Committee Votes on Impeachment

July 27th, 1974 50 years ago

The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted 27 to 11 to recommend the first article of impeachment against President Richard Nixon, charging him with obstruction of justice. This vote was a significant step in the impeachment process following the Watergate scandal, concerned with Nixon's attempts to cover up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent actions to impede the investigation. Nixon's actions raised questions about presidential power and accountability.

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