September 11 Day of Remembrance Act
Summary
H.R. 5322, the "September 11 Day of Remembrance Act," seeks to amend Title 5 of the United States Code to designate September 11th as a legal public holiday. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 11, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The primary purpose is to formally recognize and commemorate the September 11th attacks through a federal holiday.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would add "September 11 Day of Remembrance" to the list of legal public holidays in the United States. Federal employees would receive a paid day off, and the day would likely be marked by remembrance ceremonies and activities across the nation. This formal recognition could increase awareness and reflection on the significance of the event.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a formal, nationally recognized day to remember and honor the victims of the September 11th attacks.
- May promote national unity and reflection on the values and principles that define the United States.
- Could increase awareness and education about the historical significance of September 11th, especially for younger generations.
- Offers an opportunity for communities to come together and participate in remembrance activities.
- May provide a boost to the travel and tourism industries due to increased holiday travel.
Potential Disadvantages
- Creates an additional federal holiday, which could result in increased costs to taxpayers due to federal employee paid time off.
- May disrupt government services and private sector productivity on that day.
- Could be perceived by some as insufficient to fully honor the memory of the victims and the impact of the attacks.
- There may be debate about the most appropriate way to commemorate the day, potentially leading to controversy.
- Some may argue that there are other events of equal or greater significance that also deserve to be recognized as federal holidays.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the Preamble's goal to "insure domestic Tranquility" and "promote the general Welfare" by fostering national unity and remembrance. Congress has the power to establish holidays, and this bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional right or limitation. Article 1, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).