Suozzi Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Designate September 11th as a Federal Holiday

Washington, D.C.— This week, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Congressman Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Patriot Day Act, bipartisan legislation to formally establish September 11th as a federal holiday.

“The Patriot Day Act recognizes that September 11th, 2001, changed us forever. Our goal with this legislation is to let us never forget the pain and anguish that was visited upon us on that day. Let us never forget the extraordinary valor and selflessness of our first responders. Let us never forget the unbreakable spirit of unity and harmony that defined the weeks and months that followed that fateful day. And above all, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the enduring dream and promise of America,” said Rep. Suozzi.

“September 11th, 2001, was a day of profound tragedy—but also one that revealed the strength of the American people,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “In our darkest hour, we stood united. The Patriot Day Act is a reaffirmation of our national character, ensuring that the heroism, sacrifice, and unity of that day are never lost to time. Just as Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives in service and Independence Day marks the birth of our nation, September 11th deserves the same national recognition. By making it a federal holiday, we ensure that future generations will always come together to honor the lives lost, reflect on the courage displayed, and renew our vow to never forget.”

By amending Title 5 of the U.S. Code to cement September 11th as a federal holiday, this legislation ensures that Americans—most of whom have long honored 9/11 for the last 24 years— are allowed the time to commemorate one of the most significant days in American history.

Notably, the Patriot Day Act is also the first bill of this Congress that Representatives Suozzi and Fitzpatrick have co-led as newly elected Co-Chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The Problem Solvers is a group of half-Democrats and half-Republicans who work to find common ground, rooted in common sense, on issues most important to the American people.

“September 11th is a sacred day of remembrance for all Americans, especially those of us from New York and Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Suozzi. “Introducing a bipartisan bill to commemorate the memory of 9/11—one of immense loss, and yet inspiring unity— with my Problem Solvers Co-Chair exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the American people. In times of crisis, we have much more that unites us than divides us.”

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