How do these work? Does the house need to pass it as well and then send it off to the president?

If I'm not mistaken, it goes to the House of Representatives first, then the Senate, then to the President.

To address your first point, the reason it's taken so long is because the people who brought the slaves into the US are long dead. Their (EDIT: Correction) descendants don't want to take responsibility for their actions, with the liability and potential restitution claims that go with it. Similar with the Jim Crow laws. I feel badly that people of any race are mistreated, but am not the one who did it.

Some of my 18th century Kentucky ancestors were slaveholders, and I'm not proud of it at all. But, I won't apologize for it either. All I can take responsibility for is myself.

It depends on which house it originated in. A bill can start in either house, and upon approval, travels to the other house for another vote.

It's been quite awhile since I had American Federal Government. Thanks for clearing that up.

Hmmm.

I'm not against the morality shown here, but really, how is today's government responsible for something their ancestors did ?

If my great grandfather murdered someones great grandfather at the time, why should I apologize to their descendant. I didn't commit the crime. Sure, I "can" apologize for it, but it seems a bit hollow to do so. I have not guilt in this.

I believe there is a weensy bit of political pressure involved.

There is something amusing about having the president (Obama) apologize for slavery.

Couldn't have said it better myself meggy. I won't apologize for something I did not do or had no control over. No one alive today has had anything to do with slavery.

I love you plimers...I get so sick hearing about how WE did everyone wrong. If you look at it, the whites get screwed at every turn and it's not years and years and years ago, it's NOW...I know it was not right and I'm not saying it was ok, but as you guys pointed out, WE DID NOT DO IT so why should we fix something that can't help anyone that was effected by it? Let's pay attention to the here and now and let's spend money and time on feeding the hungry in AMERICA and the homeless and all the people out of work, all colors, relegions, etc. as LONG AS THEY ARE AMERICAN...illegal aliens need not apply! <Rant over>

Unless you're Native American, pretty much all of our ancestors came from elsewhere, and some of them could well have been considered illegals. Any of us could have been born anywhere in the world, at any time in history. I can't ignore the needy just because they weren't born here and are trying to better their lot in life; if I had no other choice, I'd probably do the same.

I would agree if I didn't live in an area where my brother was bleeding profusely, but had been laid off and went to the hospital but was turned down because he did not have insurance, but the Hispanic person that did not have proof of being here, admitted that she was not an american was taken right in, for a headache...My brother had to be driven 45 miles to another hospital, and naturally had to pay over $2000 for medical care because of no insurance, but the person that has never put a penny in the coffers for our country was taken in for a $40 aspirin and not charged a cent. I'm sorry, but in my opinion, that is wrong. I'm sorry if others are not able to care for themselves, but I take care of my family first, then will gladly and have often given to others, but I say take care of our own FIRST, then when we are doing well, share the wealth, but not at the expense of others.

I think that is bulls**t! Why they hell are you [current generation] going to apologize for something you have nothing to do with and had no control over.

It's in the past, D.E.A.D...

Let it stay that way.

I think the correct read on this is that the current government, not us as individuals, is apologizing for it's, the governments, past behavior in allowing slavery to flourish in this country for as long as it did.

I can't find much wrong with this as long as it ends there and we do not get into reparations.

It's a gesture that's been considered before and it's just a symbolic recognition that the issue of slavery could have been handled with a greater sense of humanity.

Since all the people involved are dead it simply stands as a gesture of decency to those whose ancestors suffered.