Bipartisan effort to make September 11 a federal holiday faces challenges

A bipartisan bill, the Patriot Day Act, has been introduced to make September 11 a federal holiday. This follows concerns that memories of the 9/11 attacks are fading, especially among younger generations who did not experience the events firsthand. Despite previous attempts, including a similar bill in 2023, efforts to establish 9/11 as a federal holiday have not gained enough support. Current federal law designates September 11 as "Patriot Day," a national day of mourning, but it is not an official holiday. Challenges to creating a federal holiday include historical precedents against commemorating tragedies and potential economic costs. While some local efforts continue, the likelihood of a federal holiday remains low.