Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced his St. Patrick’s Day Act on Monday, March 17 to designate St. Patrick’s Day as a federal holiday in the US.
St. Patrick's Day becoming a US federal holiday would recognize "the profound contributions of Irish Americans and the enduring bond between the United States and Ireland," a statement from Fitzpatrick's office said.
Fitzpatrick introduced an identical Act in 2023.
The Irish American Congressman also introduced legislation to establish the Commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Irish American History on Monday.
You can read the full text of Fitzpatrick's new St. Patrick's Day Act here.
“St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a tribute to the perseverance, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the Irish people," Fitzpatrick said on Monday.
"The Irish came to America seeking opportunity, and in turn, they helped build, defend, and enrich our great nation in ways too great to measure. Their story is one of hardship and hope, struggle and triumph—woven into the very fabric of our country.
"Today, with nearly 2 million Irish Americans in Pennsylvania and millions more across the nation, that legacy endures.
"As the proud descendant of Irish immigrants and a steadfast Friend of Ireland, I am honored to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that St. Patrick’s Day is recognized as a federal holiday—a day to honor the extraordinary contributions of the Irish to the American story."
St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a celebration of the perseverance, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the Irish people. Our Irish ancestors came to America seeking opportunity, and in doing so, they helped shape, defend, and enrich this nation… pic.twitter.com/BHOlYl8fFO
— Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick 🇺🇸 (@RepBrianFitz) March 17, 2025
Fitzpatrick has long been a champion of Irish American issues in Congress. A member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus and a champion for the International Fund for Ireland, the Congressman has led bipartisan efforts to preserve the Good Friday Agreement, advocate for legacy justice, and defend peace in Northern Ireland.
Last year, he received the prestigious John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal from the National Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for his contributions to the Irish-American cause, and this year, he served as the Grand Marshal of the Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade.
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