WASHINGTON – Missouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt has introduced a bill in an effort to make the Monday after Easter Sunday, known to some as Easter Monday, a federal holiday.

The legislation, listed as S. 1426 on Congress’ official website, calls to “designate Easter Monday as a legal public holiday.”

In a recent X thread, Schmitt framed the proposal as nonpartisan and rooted in cultural tradition.

“Our holidays and traditions are part of the story we tell about ourselves,” said Schmitt. “This is not partisan. It’s not a “Republican” or “Democrat” holiday. It’s an American holiday, allowing a fuller celebration of the defining moment of the faith that shaped our nation and civilization.”

Schmitt said the holiday could help families gather more easily and claimed it would have economic benefits. He also framed the proposal as a way to honor the cultural and spiritual significance of Easter in American life.

“A federal Easter Monday holiday allows Americans to celebrate the most extraordinary day in world history, Easter—the day of Christ’s resurrection,” said Schmitt.

Critics may view the proposal as blurring the line between church and state or question the need for an additional federal holiday.

The United States currently recognizes 11 federal holidays. The most recent to be added was Juneteenth in 2021. Prior to that, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was the most recent, established in 1983.

Schmitt introduced the legislation on April 10, per Congress’ website. As of now, the bill has been read twice and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Further details on the bill are limited, and it is unclear if or when the legislation could advance.