US Lawmakers Propose Federal Easter Monday Holiday

A bipartisan proposal has been introduced in the United States Congress to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, spearheaded by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) and Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia). Supporters argue that over 80% of Americans celebrate Easter, yet the holiday lacks federal recognition, which affects family gatherings and creates a gap in the holiday calendar. The measure aims to provide a three-day weekend for American workers and families, similar to practices in Canada, Australia, and much of Europe, where Easter Monday is already a public holiday. Advocates suggest that formal recognition could enhance family time and economic activity. The bill, if passed, would make Easter Monday one of the few religious holidays officially recognized at the federal level in the U.S. Nigeria, among other countries, is cited as already observing both Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays.