Italian Heroes and Heritage Act

HR 5739, the Italian Heroes and Heritage Act, prohibits federal funding to state or local governments that celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. The bill requires that during Columbus Day (as defined in U.S. Code) starting October 13, 2025, and annually thereafter, no federal funds may be provided to jurisdictions observing Indigenous Peoples Day in place of Columbus Day. This provision directly affects local and state governments choosing to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. The bill does not change the legal status of either holiday but ties federal funding to maintaining the traditional observance of Columbus Day.