H.R.2119 - St. Patrick’s Day Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2119, the St. Patrick's Day Act, proposes amending Title 5 of the United States Code to establish St. Patrick's Day as a federal holiday. Introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Fitzpatrick, the bill was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The Act's primary function is to add St. Patrick's Day to the list of federal holidays recognized in Section 6103(a) of Title 5.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2119 would result in the closure of federal offices and grant federal employees a paid day off on St. Patrick's Day. This could lead to a temporary reduction in government services on that day. The bill may also spur increased public celebrations and recognition of Irish-American culture.
Potential Benefits
- Increased recognition of Irish-American heritage and culture.
- Potential boost to tourism and related industries due to increased celebrations.
- A day of rest for federal employees.
- Symbolic gesture of inclusivity and recognition of a significant cultural group.
- Potential for increased social cohesion through shared celebration.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs to the government due to paid time off for federal employees.
- Potential disruption of government services due to office closures.
- May set a precedent for other groups to request federal holiday status, potentially leading to an excessive number of holidays.
- Some may view it as an unnecessary expansion of federal holidays.
- Potential for controversy if some feel other cultural or ethnic groups are not similarly recognized.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be constitutionally permissible. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to federal employees and the functioning of the government under Article I, Section 8, which 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. The establishment of a federal holiday does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional right or limitation.
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).