Kara Sears
In the United States, federal holidays are designated by the US Congress in Title V of the US Code. While there are 11 federal holidays, these only apply to federal institutions and employees, as well as the District of Columbia. However, many other institutions, such as banks, businesses, schools, and financial markets, may also close on these days. The process of a national holiday becoming a federal law involves congressional approval and presidential signing. For instance, in 2021, President Joe Biden signed a law designating June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can make a national holiday a law? | The President of the United States or the U.S. Congress |
| Who does the law apply to? | Federal employees, and sometimes state governments, schools, banks, and private companies |
| How many national holidays are there? | 11 |
| What are the 11 national holidays? | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day |
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What You'll Learn
The role of Congress in designating federal holidays
The history of national holidays in the United States dates back to June 28, 1870, when Congress first created national holidays. Initially, these holidays applied only to federal employees in the District of Columbia, but in 1885, Congress extended coverage to include all federal employees. The original four holidays designated by Congress in 1870 were New Year's Day, Independence Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
Since then, Congress has continued to play an active role in adding to the list of federal holidays. Over time, they have added notable days such as George Washington's Birthday (also known as Presidents' Day), Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. to the list of legal public holidays.
It is important to note that while Congress designates federal holidays, their observance by other institutions is not mandatory. However, as a matter of courtesy, custom, or regulation, non-federal entities such as banks, businesses, schools, and financial markets may choose to close on federal holidays as well. Additionally, the celebration of federal holidays can vary across different states and cities, with some choosing to observe state or local holidays concurrently with federal holidays.
The process of establishing a federal holiday involves Congress proposing and passing legislation to recognize a specific day as a holiday for federal employees. This legislation is then signed into law by the President, officially designating the day as a federal holiday. The role of Congress in this process is crucial, as they have the authority to initiate and approve the creation of federal holidays.
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The history of national holidays in the US
Over time, more holidays were added and some were given floating" dates so they always fall on a Monday, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. In 1983, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established, and in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the US.
Federal holidays in the US are designated by the US Congress and currently number 11. On these days, non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are paid for the day off. While federal holidays are only established for certain businesses and government contractors, many private businesses also observe these holidays and give their employees paid time off.
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The legal status of Christmas as a federal holiday
Christmas, a day celebrating the birth of Jesus, is the only religious holiday with federal status in the US. Other major holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Eid Al-Fitr, and Diwali, are not recognised as federal holidays.
The official bill language did not refer to "Christmas" as the federal holiday, instead calling it "December 25th ... commonly called Christmas Day". This careful wording, along with the fact that Christmas was codified alongside multiple secular holidays, suggests that Congress was not attempting to impose Christianity on the people.
The federal status of Christmas has been challenged in court, with some arguing that it violates the First Amendment's establishment clause, which prohibits the government from favouring one religion over another. However, judges have ruled that Christmas' federal holiday status does not violate this clause.
In 1999, the Western Division of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, in the case of Ganulin v. United States, denied the charge that Christmas Day's federal status violated the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. The court ruled that "the Christmas holiday has become largely secularised" and that giving federal employees a paid vacation day on Christmas is simply recognising the cultural significance of the holiday.
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The process of amending the list of federal holidays
To amend the list of federal holidays, a bill must be introduced and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This process involves committee hearings, debates, and votes in both chambers. Once a bill is passed by both chambers, it is sent to the President for signature. If the President signs the bill into law, the new federal holiday is established and added to the list.
It is important to note that federal holidays only apply to federal institutions, employees, and the District of Columbia. However, as a matter of courtesy and custom, other institutions, such as banks, businesses, schools, and financial markets, may also close on federal holidays. Additionally, state and city holidays may be observed concurrently with federal holidays.
The process of establishing a federal holiday can be influenced by various factors, such as cultural and historical significance, social movements, and the need for days of rest for workers. For example, the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth National Independence Day as federal holidays was driven by the recognition of civil rights and the commemoration of the end of slavery, respectively.
While Congress has the authority to designate federal holidays, the President of the United States also plays a role in declaring certain days as public holidays through executive orders. These holidays may be in response to specific events, such as the funerals of former presidents.
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The impact of federal holidays on state governments and private businesses
Federal holidays in the United States are 11 calendar dates designated by the U.S. federal government as holidays. On these days, non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are paid for the day off. While federal holidays are designated by the United States Congress, they only apply to federal institutions, employees, and the District of Columbia.
Impact on State Governments
Although many states recognize most or all federal holidays as state holidays, the federal government cannot compel them to do so. States have the autonomy to recognize other days as state holidays, which may or may not be recognized by other states. For example, the state of Texas recognizes all federal holidays except Columbus Day and observes the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and the day after Christmas as state holidays.
Impact on Private Businesses
Private employers are generally not required to observe federal or state holidays, except for federally-chartered banks. However, as a matter of courtesy, custom, or regulation, many private businesses, banks, and financial markets may choose to close on federal holidays. Ultimately, the decision to observe a federal holiday depends on the company's policy.
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