House Republicans Propose Changes to Columbus Day Funding

A recent proposal from House Republicans suggests cutting funding to U.S. jurisdictions that observe Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. This proposal follows President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation establishing October 13th as Columbus Day, celebrating both the explorer and the contributions of Italian Americans across the country.

Rep. Michael Lulli (R-Ohio) expressed his views on FOX News Digital, stating, “This is about every son and daughter of Italy, every Knight of Columbus, and every Sunday pasta dinner. It’s everything that shapes our culture, from Philadelphia to San Francisco.” He emphasized that neighborhoods with Italian heritage celebrate Christopher Columbus, viewing him as more than just an individual figure but a representation of the community.

Lulli’s bill aims to reinforce Columbus Day as a federal holiday and impose penalties on cities or states that replace its observance with Indigenous Peoples Day. He stated, “We are not going to allow any local government in the United States to think of itself as having power over the federal government.”

In a move made in 2021, then-President Joe Biden acknowledged both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October. This action was supported by progressive activists and historians who criticize Columbus for his role in the history of violence against indigenous peoples during colonization.

Lulli, however, insists that Columbus Day has significance tied to Italian-American heritage. He recalled that its founding in 1892 was partly a response to the lynching of Italian Americans in New Orleans. While he values Native American history and culture, he suggested that they, too, deserve their own separate day. “So Native Americans are, I believe, some of the most amazing cultural people in America,” he added. “They deserve their own special day.”

Reflecting on the decisions of the Biden administration, Lulli accused it of undermining the heritage of both Italian and Indigenous peoples by merging the two holidays. He praised Trump, claiming the president restored Columbus Day’s intended meaning, calling it a gesture of goodwill towards Italian Americans. Lulli stressed that his bill intends no disrespect to indigenous communities, asserting, “They deserve their own day, but not on Columbus Day. This has been part of our culture for 130 years already.”