SENATOR SCHMITT PROPOSES MAKING EASTER MONDAY A FEDERAL HOLIDAY – Schmitt said the legislation would formally recognize a long-standing tradition central to Western civilization
Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt has introduced a bill to make Easter Monday a national holiday in the United States.
Announcing the proposal on social media, Schmitt said the legislation would formally recognize a long-standing tradition central to Western civilization. He pointed out that many Western nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe, already observe Easter Monday as a public holiday.
“This isn’t a radical idea,” Schmitt posted on X. “It’s about acknowledging a meaningful tradition with deep cultural and religious roots.”
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, Schmitt has held several key positions in Missouri, including state attorney general and state senator. Now 49, he says the “Easter Monday Act of 2025” was inspired by both spiritual and practical considerations.
“Our holiday calendar makes it tough for families to come together during Easter,” he explained. “March and April are the only two consecutive months without a federal holiday, and Easter typically falls within this long work stretch.”
Schmitt also pointed to America’s existing recognition of religious observances, noting that the “National Day of Prayer” was signed into law by Missouri’s own President Harry Truman.
“A federal holiday on Easter Monday would allow Americans time to reflect on Easter—the day marking Christ’s resurrection, the most extraordinary event in history,” he said.
He added that over 75% of Americans celebrate Easter, and that many schools once gave students both Good Friday and Easter Monday off—a tradition he hopes to revive through this legislation.
