National Rosie the Riveter Day Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2256

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Updated

2026-04-10T08:06:02Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to honor the contributions of American women, known as "Rosie the Riveters," who entered the workforce during World War II to support the war effort. It designates March 21—during Women's History Month—as "National Rosie the Riveter Day" and requests the President to issue an annual proclamation encouraging nationwide observance through ceremonies, activities, and educational programs.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Outlines 10 congressional findings recognizing the efforts of over 6 million women who worked in factories, farms, shipyards, and other roles; their perseverance against discrimination; the inclusion of women of color; and the inspirational legacy for future generations. It emphasizes preserving this history to promote patriotism, workplace excellence, and unity among these women and their descendants.
• Designation and Proclamation: Amends Chapter 1 of Title 36, United States Code (which covers patriotic observances and national holidays), by adding a new Section 149. This section requests the President to annually proclaim National Rosie the Riveter Day, calling on the public to observe it and urging state, territorial, tribal, and local governments to conduct appropriate programs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new permanent section (149) to Title 36, United States Code, specifically for National Rosie the Riveter Day, including an update to the table of contents.
• This is a symbolic addition to the existing framework of national observances (e.g., similar to other days like National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day), but it introduces a request for presidential action without mandating it, distinguishing it from legally binding holidays.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal operational impact; the President may issue a proclamation at their discretion, and local governments are encouraged (but not required) to participate in events. No funding or enforcement mechanisms are included.
• On Citizens: Promotes public awareness, education, and celebration of women's historical roles, potentially inspiring community events, school programs, and discussions on gender equality and patriotism during Women's History Month.
• On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic U.S. history without foreign policy elements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: Surviving "Rosie the Riveters" (women who worked during WWII) and their descendants, who are highlighted for recognition and legacy preservation.
• Secondary: Educators, civil authorities, women's history organizations, and the general public, particularly women and girls inspired by these stories; bipartisan congressional supporters (e.g., representatives from both parties).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Non-binding request to the President avoids constitutional separation-of-powers issues; it aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to designate observances without creating enforceable obligations.
• Constitutional: No significant implications, as it does not infringe on rights or allocate resources; it supports free expression through voluntary commemorations.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for women's empowerment and historical recognition, potentially fostering unity on gender and patriotic themes without controversy, as it builds on prior honors like the 2018 Congressional Gold Medal for Rosie the Riveters.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-03-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• National Rosie the Riveter Day Act — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (4 pages)