As the United States is about to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the “9/11 terrorist attacks,” some members of Congress are still actively pushing for the “Patriot Day Act” (H.R. 911), hoping to designate September 11th as a federal holiday, to be a day for national reflection, remembrance, and service.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 4, 2025, by Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania and Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi from New York. The purpose of the bill is to amend federal law to officially recognize “Patriot Day” on September 11th as a federal holiday.
Currently, September 11th is observed as “Patriot Day” and “National Day of Service and Remembrance.” On this day each year, the American flag is lowered to half-staff. People are encouraged to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims through memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, and volunteer service.
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day, “Patriot Day” is not a federal holiday. Therefore, federal employees do not automatically receive paid time off, and government offices remain open as usual.
If the bill is passed, federal offices would typically be closed, and employees would receive a holiday. Banks, schools, and private businesses would decide whether to follow suit. Private businesses and schools are not required to close on federal holidays.
On the day it was introduced, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability for review.
According to a report by Newsweek on Thursday, September 10, 2026, as of that date, the bill is still in the “introduced” stage and has not undergone committee votes, full House votes, or Senate deliberations.
Fitzpatrick stated that the proposal to establish a permanent day of remembrance, reflection, and service will ensure that “we never forget” becomes a national responsibility.
In a previous statement, he wrote, “September 11th was not just a tragic loss, but a defining test of our national identity. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken, but America responded with unity and service.”
Organizations representing frontline emergency responders, such as the Fraternal Order of Police, Police Benevolent Association, and International Association of Fire Fighters, have expressed support for the bill, believing it will help to acknowledge the sacrifices made by police, firefighters, and EMTs and prevent the public from gradually forgetting.
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) previously stated, “Every year, our nation inches closer to forgetting the extraordinary bravery shown by the brave police officers and other frontline emergency responders who rushed into danger on that day, as well as the national unity that brought every American together in the face of that indescribable tragedy. We must act now to reverse this slow trend of forgetting so that our 9/11 victims and heroes are not forgotten.”
Opposition mainly revolves around concerns about costs and feasibility, as adding a federal holiday could potentially increase government personnel expenses, as the government would have to pay for employee time off or overtime. Some also worry that if the day is primarily seen as a day off, its solemn meaning could be diminished.
In the future, the bill would need approval from the House of Representatives, then the Senate, and finally be signed by the President to become law. Currently, none of these steps have been realized.