Freedmen's Bureau bills

[2] Northern Democrats also opposed the Bureau's work, painting it as a program that would make African Americans "lazy".

[4] In 1872, the political will to extend the Bureau's life had diminished to the point that Congress abruptly abandoned the program, refusing to approve renewal legislation.

[5] It was passed on March 3, 1865, in order to aid former slaves through food and housing, oversight, education, health care, and employment contracts with private landowners.

[12] This congressional action extended the Freedmen's Bureau, increased antipathy between President Johnson and Radical Republicans in Congress, and was a major factor during Reconstruction.

In July 1868, Congress voted to again extend the Freedmen's Bureau,[13] but a couple weeks later decided to limit its functions to processing claims and supporting education.