GET IT DONE

Mississippi State House and Senate Vote in Favor of Bill Removing Confederate Imagery From Flag

“The argument over the 1894 flag has become as divisive as the flag itself and it’s time to end it,” Gov. Tate Reeves said.

Both houses of the Mississippi state legislature voted Saturday in favor of a bill to change the state flag, which incorporates the Confederate flag. The state’s House of Representatives voted 85-34 to proceed to a vote on changing the banner. The Senate voted similarly the same day, 36-14. Gov. Tate Reeves indicated he will sign the bill.

Reeves had implored state lawmakers to unite earlier in the week: “The legislature has been deadlocked for days as it considers a new state flag,” the Republican said in a statement. “The argument over the 1894 flag has become as divisive as the flag itself and it’s time to end it. If they send me a bill this weekend, I will sign it.” The legislature had been divided over whether to vote to remove the despised symbol outright or put the matter to a voter referendum.