H.R.911 - Patriot Day Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 911, the Patriot Day Act, seeks to amend Title 5 of the United States Code to establish Patriot Day as a federal holiday. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 4, 2025, by Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Suozzi, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The primary goal of the bill is to formally recognize Patriot Day within the federal government's holiday schedule. This would involve adding 'Patriot Day' to the list of federal holidays outlined in Section 6103(a) of Title 5.
The bill's impact is largely symbolic, aiming to honor the victims and heroes of the September 11th attacks through official federal recognition.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of the bill would be the addition of Patriot Day to the list of federal holidays. This means federal employees would likely receive a paid day off, and government offices would be closed.
Beyond the practical implications for federal employees, the bill would serve to reinforce the national remembrance of the September 11th attacks. It could also lead to increased public awareness and participation in commemorative events.
However, the bill's impact on other areas, such as the economy or individual liberties, is expected to be minimal.
Potential Benefits
- Symbolic Recognition: Formally recognizes Patriot Day as a federal holiday, honoring the victims and heroes of 9/11.
- Increased Awareness: Could lead to greater public awareness and participation in commemorative events.
- Federal Employee Holiday: Provides a paid day off for federal employees, allowing them to observe the day.
- National Unity: May foster a sense of national unity and remembrance.
- Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to educate future generations about the significance of Patriot Day.
Potential Disadvantages
- Cost to Taxpayers: Creating a new federal holiday could result in increased costs due to federal employee paid time off.
- Potential for Commercialization: There is a risk that the holiday could become overly commercialized, detracting from its solemn purpose.
- Minimal Economic Impact: The bill is unlikely to have a significant positive impact on economic growth or job creation.
- Missed Work/School: Some may view another federal holiday as disruptive to work and school schedules.
- Lack of Substantive Change: The bill is largely symbolic and does not address any underlying issues related to national security or emergency preparedness.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Patriot Day Act appears to align with the spirit of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the preamble's goal to "insure domestic Tranquility" and "promote the general Welfare" by fostering national unity and remembrance. There is no explicit constitutional provision addressing federal holidays.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights or liberties guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments. It does not establish a religion (Amendment I), infringe on the right to bear arms (Amendment II), or violate any other constitutional protections.
Therefore, the bill seems constitutionally sound, as it falls within the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
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).