Barrett, Meeks Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05) introduced the Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day receive the full national recognition they deserve when they fall on the same date. 

“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,” said Barrett. “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.”

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 occurred in 1997 with President Clinton’s second inauguration and again in 2025 with President Trump’s second inauguration.

“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,” said Meeks. “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.”

The Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act proposes a simple yet significant change: if Inauguration Day falls on the same date as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on the Tuesday following the third Monday in January. This legislation preserves the significance of both days in our national history and ensures that we continue to honor both Dr. King’s legacy and the peaceful transition of power in a meaningful way.

CLICK HERE to read the bill text.

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