Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt introduces legislation to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, aiming to give families more time to celebrate Christianity’s most important holiday.
Quick Takes
- Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has introduced legislation to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, citing that 81% of Americans celebrate Easter
- Easter Monday is already recognized as a public holiday in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Western Europe
- The proposed holiday could boost the economy by 10-15%, potentially adding up to $2 billion in economic activity
- Schmitt describes the initiative as “Pro-worker. Pro-family. Pro-faith.”
Recognizing America’s Most Celebrated Religious Holiday
Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri is pushing for legislation that would establish Easter Monday as a federal holiday, giving Americans more time to celebrate what he describes as “the holiest day in Christianity.” The Republican lawmaker points out that while 81% of Americans observe Easter in some form, our current federal holiday schedule doesn’t acknowledge this significant cultural and religious observance. Unlike Christmas, which falls on a fixed date and is recognized with federal time off, Easter occurs on a Sunday without any additional time for families to gather, travel, or fully participate in religious ceremonies and traditions.
The proposed legislation would designate Easter Monday—the day following Easter Sunday—as a legal public holiday. Easter is a floating holiday that can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25, making it difficult for families to plan extended celebrations without taking personal time off from work. Schmitt’s bill aims to address this challenge by creating a three-day weekend around this major religious observance, similar to how other significant holidays are structured in the federal calendar.
Easter is the holiest day in Christianity. It should be a federal holiday.
I'm introducing legislation to make it one.
Here's why. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ByjGcY3LtP
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) April 14, 2025
Following International Precedent
In presenting his case for the new federal holiday, Schmitt emphasizes that the United States would be joining numerous other Western nations that already recognize Easter Monday. “It’s a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization — a tradition that’s already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond!) the West, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe,” Schmitt said.
The senator also points to American historical precedent, noting that many schools traditionally gave students time off for both Good Friday and Easter Monday. This practice has diminished over time, but the senator sees his legislation as restoring an important cultural tradition rather than creating something entirely new. Schmitt compares his proposed Easter Monday holiday to the existing National Day of Prayer, suggesting that it would serve a similar function in acknowledging the role of faith in American life.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond religious considerations, Schmitt frames the proposal as beneficial for workers, families, and the economy alike. He suggests that making Easter a three-day weekend could boost economic activity by 10-15%, potentially adding up to $2 billion in economic stimulus. This would come through increased travel, family gatherings, and related spending that typically accompanies holiday weekends. The senator characterizes his bill as “Pro-worker. Pro-family. Pro-faith,” emphasizing its broad appeal across different constituencies.
Schmitt also emphasizes that Easter is not a “micro-holiday” but rather one of the most significant observances in American culture. With more than eight in ten Americans participating in Easter celebrations, the senator argues that federal recognition through an Easter Monday holiday would align government policy with the actual practices and values of the American people. The non-partisan nature of the proposal could potentially attract support from across the political spectrum, particularly from representatives whose constituents value religious traditions.
