H.R.1395 - Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day Holiday Establishment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1395, the "Trump's Birthday and Flag Day Holiday Establishment Act," proposes amending Title 5 of the United States Code to designate June 14th as a legal public holiday, combining Trump's birthday with Flag Day. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Ms. Tenney and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The proposed change would add "Trump's Birthday and Flag Day, June 14" to the list of legal public holidays recognized by the federal government.
This bill seeks to create a new federal holiday. It would mandate that federal employees receive a paid day off, and potentially impact private sector employers who often align their holiday schedules with the federal government.
The bill's impact is primarily symbolic, but it also has practical implications for federal employees and the economy due to the closure of government offices and potential impact on productivity.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 1395 would add another paid holiday for federal employees. This would result in the closure of federal offices on June 14th each year.
The change could lead to increased costs for the federal government due to lost productivity and holiday pay. It may also affect private sector businesses that follow federal holiday schedules.
The bill's passage would also have a symbolic impact, potentially sparking debate about the appropriateness of naming a holiday after a political figure.
Potential Benefits
- Could boost patriotism and civic engagement by celebrating Flag Day.
- May provide a day of rest and leisure for federal employees.
- Could stimulate the economy through increased travel and spending during the holiday.
- Might foster a sense of national unity by honoring a former president.
- Could create opportunities for educational programs and events related to Flag Day and American history.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be seen as politically divisive due to the association with a specific political figure.
- May increase government spending due to holiday pay and lost productivity.
- Could disrupt government services and operations due to office closures.
- Might be perceived as an inappropriate use of government resources.
- Could set a precedent for naming holidays after political figures, leading to further politicization of national holidays.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is primarily related to the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. There is no explicit constitutional provision addressing federal holidays. The First Amendment regarding the Establishment Clause is not directly implicated, as the holiday does not inherently promote or inhibit religion. However, the appropriateness of naming a holiday after a political figure could raise concerns about government endorsement of a particular ideology.
While Congress has the power to establish holidays, the decision to name one after a specific individual raises questions about the separation of powers and the potential for political bias. The Constitution does not explicitly prohibit such actions, but it encourages careful consideration to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of H.R. 1395 hinges on whether it can be reasonably argued that establishing this holiday serves a legitimate governmental purpose and does not violate any specific constitutional prohibitions.
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).