Proposed Bill Adds Easter Monday as New Federal Holiday

This bill, titled the "Easter Monday Act of 2025," aims to designate the Monday immediately following Easter Sunday as a legal public holiday for federal purposes. It proposes amending the existing list of federal holidays found in section 6103(a) of Title 5, U.S. Code, to include this additional day.

A New Day on the Federal Calendar

The core change here is straightforward: adding another day to the official list of paid holidays for federal employees. If enacted, Easter Monday would join the ranks of days like New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. This means federal government offices would typically be closed, and federal workers would receive a paid day off, just like other holidays listed under 5 U.S.C. 6103(a).

Defining a Moveable Feast Day

Unlike holidays set to a specific date (like July 4th) or a specific Monday (like Labor Day), Easter Monday's date shifts each year. The bill defines it based on the traditional calculation for Easter: it's the first Monday after the first Sunday that follows the first full Moon occurring on or after the spring equinox. While the definition is precise, it means the actual date of the holiday will vary annually, falling sometime in March or April.

Potential Ripples

While the direct impact is on federal operations and employees, federal holidays often have broader effects. Banks frequently follow the federal holiday schedule, so closures could be expected there. Furthermore, while this bill only mandates the holiday at the federal level, it could influence states, local governments, or even private businesses to consider observing Easter Monday as well, though that's not required by this legislation.