NEW YORK, NY – A bipartisan initiative is underway to designate September 11 as a federal holiday through the proposed “Patriot Day Act.” Introduced by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and co-sponsored by Representative Tom Suozzi of New York’s 3rd Congressional District, the bill aims to provide citizens with a dedicated day to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001.
Currently, September 11 is observed as “Patriot Day” and the “National Day of Service and Remembrance,” but it is not recognized as a federal holiday. The proposed legislation seeks to amend Title 5 of the United States Code to establish September 11 as a permanent federal holiday, placing it alongside other federal holidays as a national day of reflection, service, and remembrance.
The bill (H.R.5366 – Patriot Day Act) emphasizes the importance of honoring the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives during the attacks, as well as recognizing the heroism of first responders and the unity displayed by Americans in the aftermath. The “Patriot Day Act” is the first collaborative effort between Suozzi and Fitzpatrick as co-leaders of the House’s bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, highlighting a unified approach to commemorating this significant day in American history.
Rep. Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “Just as Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives in service and Independence Day marks the birth of our nation, September 11th deserves the same national recognition.”
If enacted, the legislation would ensure that every American has the opportunity to observe September 11 appropriately, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to remembering the impact of that day and the resilience demonstrated in its wake.
