In 1988, Congress apologized to Japanese-Americans detained during World War II, and last April, the Senate offered a statement of remorse to Native Americans for historical mistreatment. Now, in a resolution that passed Tuesday, the House of Representatives has expressed regret to African-Americans for slavery and Jim Crow laws.

"African-Americans continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow—long after both systems were formally abolished—through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible,” the resolution states, “including the loss of human dignity and liberty, the frustration of careers and professional lives, and the long-term loss of income and opportunity."

The House also pledges to stop the violation of human rights in the future. While several states have issued apologies for slavery individually, including Virginia, Alabama and Maryland, this is the first time the federal government has apologized for slavery.

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