Bill Summary
The "Presidential Legacy Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at redesignating the holiday currently known as "Washington's Birthday" to "Presidents' Day." This Act seeks to amend Section 6103(a) of Title 5 of the United States Code to reflect this change and ensures that any references to "Washington's Birthday" in existing laws, rules, or regulations are updated to "Presidents' Day." Additionally, it includes specific amendments to Title 4 and the Federal Contested Election Act to maintain consistency in the terminology used across federal statutes. The intent behind the Act is to honor all U.S. presidents collectively, rather than focusing solely on George Washington.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed legislation to redesignate the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day could affect people:
1. **Cultural Recognition and Inclusivity**: By changing the name from "Washington's Birthday" to "Presidents' Day," the legislation acknowledges a broader spectrum of U.S. presidents and their contributions to the nation. This shift may foster a more inclusive understanding of American history, allowing for discussions about various leaders and their legacies, rather than focusing solely on George Washington. This could impact educational curricula, encouraging schools to teach about various presidents and their differing impacts on American society.
2. **Impact on Business Practices**: The change in the holiday's name could influence how businesses market products and services. Retailers often capitalize on holidays for sales and promotions. A more inclusive "Presidents' Day" may lead to promotions that highlight a wider range of historical themes or products related to various presidents, potentially boosting sales and altering marketing strategies. Businesses might also need to adjust their holiday schedules, employee benefits, or time-off policies to align with the new designation.
3. **Legal and Administrative Adjustments**: The legislation requires amendments to existing laws and regulations that refer to "Washington's Birthday." This could lead to administrative changes at various levels of government, affecting how holidays are observed, reported, and recognized in official documents. For instance, agencies may have to revise policies, update forms, and inform employees of the change, which could create a ripple effect through governmental operations and require resources for implementation and communication of the new terminology.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1371 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1371
To redesignate the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 14, 2025
Ms. Budzinski (for herself and Mr. Joyce of Ohio) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To redesignate the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Presidential Legacy Act''.
SEC. 2. REDESIGNATE THE THIRD MONDAY IN FEBRUARY AS PRESIDENTS' DAY.
Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``Washington's Birthday'' and inserting ``Presidents' Day''.
SEC. 3. TERM ``WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY'' REPLACED.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), any
reference to ``Washington's Birthday'' in any law, rule, regulation, or
other official paper in effect as of the date of the enactment of this
Act shall be deemed to be a reference to ``Presidents' Day''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Title 4.--Section 6(d) of title 4, United States Code,
is amended by striking ``Washington's Birthday'' and inserting
``Presidents' Day''.
(2) Federal contested election act.--Section 15(a) of the
Federal Contested Election Act (2 U.S.C. 394(a)) is amended by
striking ``Washington's Birthday'' and inserting ``Presidents'
Day''.
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