Congress Designates November 2–8 as 'Anti-Communism Week' with Annual Presidential Proclamation

This legislation, the Anti-Communism Week Act, is straightforward: it officially designates November 2nd through November 8th as “Anti-Communism Week.” The bill inserts this observance into Title 36 of the U.S. Code, which is essentially the list of national holidays, observances, and commemorations. This is a purely declarative move, formalizing a time for remembrance and reflection on the history of communist regimes worldwide.

The Reason for the Week

Congress includes specific findings to justify the designation, stating that the week is intended to serve as a remembrance of the devastation caused by communist ideology, which the bill claims has resulted in the loss of over 100 million lives. The bill explicitly uses this observance to reaffirm core American values, emphasizing that the U.S. rejects communism and stands for liberty, opportunity, and individual rights. This part of the bill is about setting the historical and ideological context for the observance, making clear that the week is meant to honor victims and reinforce democratic principles.

What This Means for Everyday Life

For most people, a new commemorative week doesn’t change much about their schedule or their wallet—this isn’t a new federal holiday with time off work. The practical effect of this bill is that the President is requested (but not required) to issue an annual proclamation calling on the American people to observe Anti-Communism Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. This means that every November, you can expect the White House to issue a statement, and possibly see more local events, educational programs, or media coverage focused on the history and impact of communist regimes.

Impact: Observance, Not Regulation

Since this legislation is purely administrative and declarative, it doesn’t create any new government agencies, mandates, or funding streams. It doesn't force schools to change curricula or require businesses to do anything differently. It simply provides a formal space on the calendar for a specific historical and political observance. The real impact will depend entirely on how the President and various civic groups choose to use the week—whether it becomes a quiet historical footnote or a more prominent annual focus on political education and remembrance.