Riley Moore

This week of Good Friday, on April 3, and Easter Sunday, on April 5, is one of the most sacred in the Christian calendar. Yet, neither day is a federally recognized holiday.

Besides Christmas Day, federal holidays tend to be more secular in nature, as they typically "emphasize a particular aspect of American heritage or... celebrate an event in American history," according to the Library of Congress.

Memorial Day, for example, honors U.S. troops who died serving their country. About a dozen or so federal holidays are observed annually.

However, Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.V., introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that could change that. Here’s what to know.

What's a federal holiday?

A federal holiday is essentially a pre-scheduled paid day off for federal government employees. The holidays, also known as public holidays, were created by Congress and are recognized by the government.

Federal employees receive 11 of the days off per calendar year, plus an additional day when a new president is inaugurated.

While the holidays are legally mandated for federal government employees, the days themselves are widely observed by private businesses, local governments and schools.

Could Easter Monday be a holiday?

On April 17, 2025, Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.V., introduced a bill in the House that would establish Easter Monday as a federal holiday.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. However, no action has since been taken on the bill.

Congress can create a federal holiday using the same process as other bills. A representative or senator can file a bill, then it must pass both the House and the Senate and get signed by the president to become law.

The newest federal holiday is Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19. Former President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021.

Federal holiday 2026 schedule

From Memorial Day to Christmas Day, here are the calendar dates for the remaining federal holidays this year, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management:

Memorial Day - Monday, May 25

Juneteenth National Independence Day - Friday, June 19

Independence Day - Friday, July 3

Labor Day - Monday, Sept. 7

Columbus Day - Monday, Oct. 12

Veterans Day - Wednesday, Nov. 11

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 26

Christmas Day - Friday, Dec. 25

Contributing: Amaris Encinas