Meeks, Barrett Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., Day and Inauguration Day
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05) and Tom Barrett (R-MI-07) introduced the Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act. The bipartisan bill will amend the U.S. Code to ensure that both MLK Day and Inauguration Day receive full national recognition when they fall on the same date.
“It is my pleasure to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Representative Barrett to ensure that both MLK Day and Inauguration Day are given their due recognition each year,” Rep. Meeks said. “By taking this step, we will prevent one event from overshadowing the other and encourage Americans to reflect on Dr. King’s dream that we continue fighting for today.”
Since the ratification of the 20th Amendment, which established January 20th as the official date of the presidential inauguration, there have been instances where Inauguration Day has coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This recently occurred with the Inauguration of the 47th president.
“Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day both have profound significance in the United States of America, and neither should ever overshadow the other,” Rep. Barrett said. “Our bipartisan bill makes a simple but important change to ensure the peaceful transfer of power and Dr. King’s enduring legacy both receive the full recognition they deserve. I’m grateful to Congressman Meeks for helping lead this effort to preserve these momentous occasions that undoubtedly deserve their own days of celebration as a nation.”
The Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act establishes that if the two celebrations fall on the same day, then Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on the Tuesday following the Third Monday in January. This legislation ensures that we continue to properly honor both Dr. King’s service and the peaceful transition of presidential power as they both deserve.
Read bill text, here.
###