Restoring Washington's Birthday Act of 2026

Plain-English Summary: Restoring Washington's Birthday Act of 2026

This bill would change the name of the federal holiday currently known as "Presidents' Day" back to its original name: Washington's Birthday. The holiday, which falls on the third Monday of February, was officially designated as "Washington's Birthday" in federal law to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington. Over time, the holiday became popularly referred to as "Presidents' Day," but this bill would formally restore the original name in official government records and federal law.

The change would primarily affect how the federal government refers to the holiday in official documents, calendars, and communications. Federal employees, agencies, and institutions would be required to use the name "Washington's Birthday" in official contexts. It would also likely influence how states, schools, and businesses refer to the holiday, though state governments and private employers would not be legally required to follow suit since they set their own holiday naming rules.

For most everyday Americans, the practical impact of this bill would be minimal — the date of the holiday would remain the same, and it would still be a day off for federal workers. The bill is essentially a symbolic and administrative change, aimed at recognizing George Washington specifically rather than presidents in general. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.