Easter Monday Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 10, 2025
Bottom line
The Easter Monday Act of 2025 proposes to add Easter Monday to the list of federal holidays, providing federal employees with an additional paid day off annually.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 5, United States Code, to designate Easter Monday as a legal public holiday. This change would grant federal employees an additional paid day off each year, observed on the Monday immediately following Easter Sunday.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that designating Easter Monday as a federal holiday recognizes a significant cultural and religious observance for many Americans, providing federal employees with a well-deserved additional day of rest and family time. They contend it could boost morale, improve work-life balance, and align federal holidays more closely with widely observed cultural practices.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that adding another federal holiday would increase federal labor costs, as it entails an additional paid day off for all federal employees, and could lead to a reduction in government productivity and service availability. They may also raise concerns about the appropriateness of designating a holiday explicitly tied to a specific religious observance.
The bill is extremely concise and can be read and understood in under a minute, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.
Section 2
Designation of Easter Monday as a Legal Public Holiday
This provision amends section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, which lists all legal public holidays. It inserts 'Easter Monday' into this list, defining it as 'the first Monday that occurs after the first Sunday that occurs after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox (commonly known as 'Easter Sunday').' This change means that Easter Monday would become a paid federal holiday for all federal employees.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides federal workers with a valuable additional day of rest and family time, recognizing a widely observed cultural and religious occasion. They believe it could enhance employee morale and contribute to a better work-life balance.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this provision imposes an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers by increasing federal labor costs for an additional paid day off. They also argue it could lead to a loss of productivity and potential disruptions in government services.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the potential benefits of improved federal employee morale and recognition of a significant cultural event against the direct financial costs to the federal government and potential impacts on the continuity of government services.