Proposed Bill Would Make St. Patrick's Day a Federal Holiday, Adding March 17th to Government Calendar

This straightforward bill, named the "St. Patricks Day Act," proposes amending federal law (specifically Title 5, Section 6103(a) of the U.S. Code) to designate March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, as a legal public holiday. The core purpose is simple: to add this culturally significant day to the official list of federal holidays observed nationwide.

An Official Day Off for Uncle Sam

If this passes, the most direct impact is clear: federal employees would get St. Patrick's Day as a paid day off. Think closed post offices, federal buildings shuttered, and potentially no mail delivery, similar to how other federal holidays like Presidents' Day or Columbus Day operate. It's a tangible change for hundreds of thousands of government workers and anyone needing federal services on that day.

Beyond the Federal Bubble

While the bill directly affects federal operations, the designation could have wider ripples. Banks, schools, and private businesses often follow the federal government's lead on holidays, though they aren't required to. This could mean more widespread closures or celebrations, potentially boosting spending at pubs, restaurants, and retail stores capitalizing on the theme. On the flip side, adding another paid holiday for federal workers does come with a cost to taxpayers for the paid time off, and businesses interacting with federal agencies would need to plan around the closure.