US Federal House Bill HB2119

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

St. Patrick’s Day Act

Summary

HB2119, titled the St. Patrick’s Day Act, would amend section 6103(a) of title 5 of the U.S. Code to add St. Patrick’s Day to the list of federal holidays. In practical terms, the bill would recognize March 17 as a federal holiday for purposes of federal employees’ paid leave and the federal holiday calendar, placing it alongside existing holidays such as Washington’s Birthday. The bill is narrowly drafted and does not create a broader program or regulatory scheme. Its sole operative change is the insertion of “St. Patrick’s Day” into the federal holiday statute, which would affect federal agencies, federal workers, and any entities that rely on the federal holiday schedule for operations or compliance timing.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend title 5, United States Code, section 6103(a), expanding the list of federal holidays and requiring federal observance of St. Patrick’s Day. The main legal effect would be on federal personnel policy, office closures, and administrative scheduling; it would not directly alter private-sector labor law or state law, though it could influence state and local holiday practices indirectly.

Sentiment

Based on the available record, the bill appears to have been introduced without recorded committee debate or votes, so there is no documented opposition or support in the provided materials. The measure’s framing as a holiday designation suggests a symbolic and celebratory intent rather than a controversial policy change, but the absence of transcripts or vote history means sentiment cannot be assessed beyond the introduction and referral stage.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if the bill were considered further, would likely include the cost of adding another federal holiday, the impact on federal operations and productivity, and whether St. Patrick’s Day merits equal status with existing federal holidays. However, no member positions or stakeholder objections are recorded here.