Easter Monday Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Riley [R-WV-2]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 17, 2025
Bottom line
This bill establishes Easter Monday as a new federal legal public holiday, granting federal employees an additional paid day off annually.
What it actually does
This bill proposes to amend Title 5, United States Code, to designate Easter Monday as a new legal public holiday. If enacted, this would mean federal government offices would be closed on Easter Monday each year, and federal employees would receive a paid day off, adding to the existing list of federal holidays.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that designating Easter Monday as a federal holiday would provide federal employees with a much-needed extended weekend, promoting work-life balance and recognizing a culturally significant day for many. They might also point to the fact that many other countries observe Easter Monday as a public holiday, aligning the U.S. with international norms.
Opponents contend
Opponents may raise concerns about the economic cost of an additional federal holiday, including lost productivity from federal offices being closed and the expense of paying federal employees for a non-working day. They might also question the appropriateness of adding a holiday with religious origins, or argue that there are more pressing legislative priorities for the federal government.
The bill is extremely short and easy to read, making it highly accessible for anyone wishing to understand its direct impact.
Section 2
Designation of Easter Monday as a Legal Public Holiday
This section amends Title 5, United States Code, specifically Section 6103(a), which lists legal public holidays. By inserting 'Easter Monday' into this list after 'Washington's Birthday,' the bill formally establishes Easter Monday as a federal holiday. This means federal government offices would be closed, and federal employees would receive a paid day off on Easter Monday each year, similar to other federal holidays.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision provides a valuable benefit to federal employees, enhancing morale and offering a longer break for rest and family time, aligning the U.S. with many other nations that observe Easter Monday.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision would lead to increased costs for the federal government due to an additional paid holiday and lost productivity from agency closures, without a clear, demonstrable public benefit.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the potential benefits of improved federal employee morale and work-life balance against the costs of lost federal productivity and increased payroll expenses for a non-working day.