12th Federal holiday coming? Americans may soon enjoy an extra day off

The United States could potentially add a new federal holiday to its calendar, offering Americans an extra day to relax and spend time with family. Lawmakers are considering proposals that would recognize Easter Monday as an official federal holiday, something that is already observed in several other countries.

Lawmakers push for Easter Monday recognition

Attempts to formalize the holiday started in 2025, when Eric Schmitt launched the Easter Monday Act in the Senate on April 10. Almost a week later, Riley Moore presented a similar proposal in the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation focuses on making the Monday after Easter a nationally recognized day off, bringing the US in line with multiple countries that already observe it.

Why supporters say the change is needed

Supporters of the proposal state that the current holiday calendar leaves a clear gap in early spring. Schmitt emphasized the challenge, citing that the schedule “makes it way too difficult for families to celebrate together.”


“Easter falls on the longest unbroken work stretch of the calendar,” he further cited, highlighting that March and April are the only consecutive months without a federal holiday.

What would change if the bill passes

If approved, Easter Monday would become the 12th federal holiday in the US, joining current observances such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This would mean federal institutions and many workplaces could shut for the day, giving employees a long weekend connected to Easter celebrations.

Timeline and current status

Despite the proposals, the legislation has not yet been passed. The Senate bill was read twice before being sent to the Judiciary Committee, while the House version was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. With Congress in recess for Easter and Passover and not returning to Washington, D.C., until mid-April, the proposal will not be approved in time for a 2026 observance. However, if lawmakers pass the bill later in 2026, Americans could possibly start observing Easter Monday as a federal holiday in future years like in 2027 or 2028.

Source: The U.S. Sun

FAQs:

Q1. What is the proposed new federal holiday?
The proposal suggests making Easter Monday a federal holiday. It would fall on the day after Easter Sunday each year.

Q2. Who introduced the Easter Monday bills?
The bills were introduced by lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. They aim to align the US with other countries that observe the holiday.