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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, some lawmakers are continuing a bipartisan push to make September 11 a federal holiday, arguing that the day should be permanently set aside for national reflection, remembrance, and service.
The effort centers on the Patriot Day Act (H.R. 911), introduced in the House on February 4, 2025, by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican, and Rep. Tom Suozzi, a New York Democrat.
According to the bill text, the legislation seeks to amend federal law and add "Patriot Day" to the list of federal holidays.
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What Would Change?
September 11 is already recognized nationwide as “Patriot Day” under federal law and is also observed as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Americans are encouraged to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks through memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, and volunteer service.
However, Patriot Day is not currently a federal holiday.
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day, federal employees are not automatically granted a paid day off, and federal offices remain open. The proposed legislation would place September 11 alongside those federally observed holidays.
If enacted, federal government offices would generally close, federal employees would receive holiday leave, and banks, schools, and private employers would decide independently whether to follow the federal holiday designation, as often occurs with other federal holidays. Federal holidays do not automatically require private businesses or schools to close.
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Where the Bill Currently Stands
Despite bipartisan sponsorship, the Patriot Day Act has not advanced beyond its initial stage in Congress.
H.R. 911 was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 4, 2025, the same day it was introduced.
The bill remains in the "Introduced" stage and hasn’t yet received a committee vote, House floor vote, or Senate consideration.
While there has been no formal congressional movement this year, supporters have continued to advocate for the measure.
On the 24th anniversary of the attacks in September 2025, Fitzpatrick renewed his call for Congress to pass the bill, describing it as a way to ensure future generations "Never Forget."
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In a statement, he said the proposal would create a permanent day of remembrance, reflection, and service: “September 11th was not only a day of loss; it was a defining test of who we are as a nation. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken, yet America answered with unity and service. The Patriot Day Act turns that response into a lasting obligation — guaranteeing every American the chance to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to those values. ‘Never Forget’ must be a national duty, permanently woven into our laws and our way of life.”
Newsweek has contacted both Fitzpatrick and Suozzi by email for comment, and is awaiting a response.
Fitzpatrick's office also highlighted support from first responder organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which argued that a federal holiday would provide Americans with greater opportunity to honor victims and first responders.
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Why Some Support It
Supporters argue that September 11 remains one of the most consequential days in modern American history and deserves recognition equal to other national days of remembrance.
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Backers say a federal holiday would help preserve public memory of the attacks as younger generations become further removed from the events of 2001. First responder groups have also argued that the designation would recognize the sacrifices made by police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and others who responded to the attacks and continue to suffer from related illnesses.
For instance, the PBA said, “Every year, our nation moves closer to forgetting the extraordinary heroism of the police officers and other first responders who rushed toward danger that day and the spirit of national unity that bound every American in the face of unspeakable, shared tragedy. We must act now to reverse this slow fade before our 9/11 victims and heroes are forgotten.”
Why Some May Oppose It
Arguments against creating a new federal holiday generally focus on cost and practicality.
Federal holidays can increase government personnel costs because many federal employees receive paid leave or holiday premium pay when working. Critics of adding new holidays have historically argued that additional closures may reduce government operating time and create administrative expenses.
There is also a concern that September 11's solemn nature could be diminished if the day becomes viewed primarily as another day off work rather than a day of remembrance.
What Happens Next?
For the Patriot Day Act to become law, it would need to be approved by the House, passed by the Senate, and then signed by the president.
As of September 10, 2026, none of those steps have yet happened.
With the nation preparing to mark a quarter-century since the attacks, supporters are expected to continue pressing lawmakers to act.
Whether Congress ultimately embraces the proposal remains uncertain, but for now, September 11 remains a federally recognized day of remembrance rather than a federal holiday.
Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey.
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