Lawmakers Push for September 11 to Become Federal Holiday

Efforts to Establish Patriot Day as a Federal Holiday

As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, there is a renewed push among some lawmakers to make September 11 a federal holiday. This effort is driven by the Patriot Day Act (H.R. 911), introduced in the House on February 4, 2025, by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York. The bill aims to amend federal law and include “Patriot Day” in the list of federal holidays.

Current Observance of September 11

September 11 is already recognized nationally as “Patriot Day” and is observed as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Americans are encouraged to honor the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks through memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, and volunteer service. However, Patriot Day is not currently a federal holiday, which means federal employees do not automatically receive a paid day off, and federal offices remain open.

If the legislation is passed, September 11 would join other federally observed holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. This change would typically result in the closure of federal government offices and holiday leave for federal employees. Banks, schools, and private employers would independently decide whether to observe the holiday, similar to other federal holidays where closures are not mandatory.

Status of the Bill

Despite bipartisan sponsorship, the Patriot Day Act has not progressed beyond its initial stage in Congress. It was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 4, 2025. The bill remains in the “Introduced” stage and has yet to receive a committee vote, House floor vote, or Senate consideration.

Supporters continue to advocate for the measure. On the 24th anniversary of the attacks, Fitzpatrick renewed his call for Congress to pass the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring future generations “Never Forget.” In a statement, Fitzpatrick described the proposal as creating a permanent day of remembrance: “September 11th was not only a day of loss; it was a defining test of who we are as a nation.” He stressed the unity and service exhibited in response to the attacks, stating the act would formalize these values as a permanent obligation.

Support for the bill has been highlighted by first responder organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Police, the Police Benevolent Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters. These groups argue that a federal holiday would give Americans more opportunity to honor victims and first responders.

Reasons for Support

Supporters assert that September 11 remains one of the most significant days in recent American history and merits recognition akin to other national days of remembrance. They believe a federal holiday would help maintain public memory of the attacks, especially as younger generations move further away from the events of 2001.

First responder groups have also advocated for the designation, noting the sacrifices made by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and others who responded to the attacks. The Police Benevolent Association stated that there’s urgency to prevent the heroism of the responders and the spirit of national unity from fading in collective memory.

Potential Opposition

Critics of establishing a new federal holiday typically focus on cost and practicality concerns. Federal holidays can increase government personnel costs due to paid leave or holiday premium pay for federal employees working on these days. Furthermore, adding holidays may potentially reduce government operations time and incur administrative expenses. There is also apprehension that the solemn nature of September 11 could be overshadowed if it becomes viewed mainly as a day off work.

Next Steps

For the Patriot Day Act to become law, approval by the House, passage by the Senate, and the president’s signature are necessary. As of September 10, 2026, none of these steps have occurred. Supporters are expected to continue pressing for action, particularly as the nation prepares to mark the quarter-century anniversary of the attacks. While the future of the proposal remains uncertain, September 11 continues as a federally recognized day of remembrance rather than a federal holiday.