A United States senator is making headlines with a proposal that could change how millions of Americans celebrate Easter. Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, has introduced legislation to designate the day after Easter as a federal holiday, affectionately dubbed Easter Monday. This initiative aims to provide families with more time to gather and celebrate this significant Christian holiday together.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Schmitt emphasized the importance of family time during Easter, stating, “81% of Americans celebrate Easter. But our current holiday schedule makes it way too difficult for families to celebrate together.” He pointed out that Easter often falls during the longest stretch of the calendar without a federal holiday, making it challenging for many to enjoy a proper celebration.
The senator’s proposal comes at a time when many are advocating for more family-friendly policies. Schmitt noted, “March and April are the only back-to-back months without a federal holiday.” He argued that recognizing Easter Monday as a federal holiday would not only honor a cherished tradition but also align the U.S. with several countries that already observe this day, including Canada, Australia, and much of Western Europe.
Schmitt articulated that Easter is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He said, “A federal Easter Monday holiday allows Americans to celebrate the most extraordinary day in world history.” He also highlighted that many American school districts historically provided students with time off for both Good Friday and Easter Monday, reflecting the holiday’s significance in American culture.
Beyond the spiritual implications, Schmitt pointed out the economic benefits of making Easter Monday a federal holiday. He estimated that the Easter weekend generates around $15 billion for the economy, and extending it could boost that figure by an additional $2 billion. “This is pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-faith,” he stated, advocating for a holiday that supports both family unity and economic growth.
The senator’s bill has been introduced and is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. As of now, it does not have any co-sponsors, but Schmitt is hopeful that it will gain bipartisan support. He emphasized that this proposal transcends political divides, calling it “an American holiday” that honors a defining moment in the nation’s history and faith.
While Easter’s date varies each year, it always falls between March 22 and April 25. If Schmitt’s bill passes, Easter Monday would become the 13th federal holiday in the United States. The most recent addition to this list was Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
The proposal has sparked conversations across social media and within communities of faith, with many expressing support for a holiday that would allow families to celebrate Easter together without the constraints of work obligations. As the discussion continues, many are eager to see how this legislation unfolds and whether it will pave the way for a more family-oriented approach to holiday celebrations in America.
For those interested in more details about the proposed legislation, you can find the official text on the Congress.gov website. The conversation around this bill is just beginning, and it’s clear that many Americans are hopeful for a future where they can celebrate Easter with their loved ones more freely.