With support from the FOP, PBA, and IAFF, H.R. 911 would enshrine September 11th as a National Day of Reflection and Service
WASHINGTON, DC – Twenty-four years after the September 11th attacks, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) marked the anniversary by renewing his push to pass the bipartisan Patriot Day Act (H.R. 911). Co-led with his Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY-3), the legislation would permanently designate September 11th as a federal holiday of remembrance, reflection, and service.
“September 11th was not only a day of loss; it was a defining test of who we are as a nation,” said Fitzpatrick. “Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken, yet America answered with unity and service. The Patriot Day Act turns that response into a lasting obligation — guaranteeing every American the chance to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to those values. ‘Never Forget’ must be a national duty, permanently woven into our laws and our way of life.
He noted the legislation is backed by America’s leading first responder organizations, representing hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers and firefighters nationwide:
Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics climbed stairwells, pushed through smoke and rubble, and carried strangers to safety — many at the cost of their own lives,” Fitzpatrick continued. “Decades later, too many still battle illnesses tied to that day. Passing the Patriot Day Act honors their sacrifice by placing it where it belongs—in our nation’s calendar and our nation’s heart. With the Fraternal Order of Police, the Police Benevolent Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters united behind this bill, Congress has no excuse to wait. This is not about politics — it’s about America keeping its promise to Never Forget.”
Police and Fire Leaders Call for Action
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
“The September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks were one of the most tragic and dark days in American history.
Although 9/11 is memorialized each year, it has yet to receive formal Federal recognition. Your legislation would change this by establishing September 11th as a permanent Federal holiday to honor all of the lives that were taken on that day and serve as a reminder to Americans that 9/11 is a moment in history that can never be forgotten.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you for your leadership on this important legislation.”
Read the full FOP letter here.
Police Benevolent Association (PBA)
“Every year, our nation moves closer to forgetting the extraordinary heroism of the police officers and other first responders who rushed toward danger that day and the spirit of national unity that bound every American in the face of unspeakable, shared tragedy.
We must act now to reverse this slow fade before our 9/11 victims and heroes are forgotten. A federal holiday would give every American the space for genuine reflection, uninhibited by the business of our daily lives.
On behalf of every New York City police officer, I want to thank you for introducing this legislation to help ensure that every American for generations to come will “Never Forget.”
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
“In the wake of the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history, America’s fire fighters selflessly step forward to save lives. Sadly, our nation lost 343 fire fighters that day, and hundreds more in the years that have followed. Thousands more suffer from ongoing cancer and other illnesses linked to their service. The ‘Patriot Day Act’ is a fitting tribute to honor their sacrifice and dedication. The IAFF is deeply grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for his leadership and continued commitment to our members and their families. We urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this bill and fulfill the promise to never forget.” IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly
About the Patriot Day Act
The Patriot Day Act amends Title 5 of the United States Code to establish September 11th as a permanent federal holiday — placing it alongside Memorial Day and Independence Day. By creating a federal holiday, every American will have the chance to properly observe September 11th as a day of reflection, service, and unity, ensuring future generations will always honor the lives lost and the courage displayed.
Fitzpatrick’s Continued 9/11 Safety Leadership
In 2018, Congressman Fitzpatrick authored the original Saracini Aviation Safety Act, which required secondary cockpit barriers on all newly built passenger aircraft. This law honors Captain Victor Saracini, a Bucks County resident and constituent of Fitzpatrick’s, who was killed on September 11, 2001, when United Flight 175 was hijacked and flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Building on that work, Fitzpatrick introduced the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act, which mandates the retrofit of all existing commercial aircraft with secondary barriers. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation was signed into law last year as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Together, these laws represent a comprehensive, long-overdue effort to harden cockpit security, close deadly loopholes, and fulfill the promise that we will “Never Forget.”
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