A new House GOP bill proposes to penalize U.S. municipalities that have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day by withholding federal funds. This proposal follows President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation reinstating Columbus Day as a federal holiday, which he framed as a celebration of Italian American heritage. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, defended the measure by emphasizing the cultural significance of Columbus Day for Italian Americans, while acknowledging the importance of Indigenous Peoples Day for Native Americans but insisting it should be observed on a separate day.
The legislation is intended to reaffirm Columbus Day’s status as a federal holiday, with Rulli arguing that cities and states should not have the power to override federal traditions. He highlighted the historical context of Columbus Day, noting that its founding in 1892 was partly in response to the extrajudicial lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans after the death of a local police chief. Despite his advocacy for Italian American heritage, Rulli emphasized that the bill is not meant to offend Native Americans, who he said deserve their own day of recognition.
The move has sparked debate, particularly regarding the decision to hold both holidays on the same day, a policy introduced by former President Joe Biden. Critics argue that this approach undermines the significance of both holidays, while proponents of Indigenous Peoples Day maintain that Columbus Day should be reevaluated in light of its historical impact on indigenous populations. Rulli, however, praised Trump’s actions as a restoration of the original meaning of Columbus Day, asserting that the bill reflects a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage and historical narratives associated with the holiday.