H.R. 2761: Halting All Parades for Presidents’ Yearly Birthdays, It Risks Taxpayer Harm, Damages, And Your Budget Act

This bill, known as the "Halting All Parades for Presidents’ Yearly Birthdays, It Risks Taxpayer Harm, Damages, And Your Budget Act" or the "HAPPY BIRTHDAY Budget Act," aims to prohibit the use of federal funds for any military parade in Washington, D.C., that is intended for the personal celebration of President Donald J. Trump, particularly in relation to his birthday.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Federal Funding: The bill explicitly prohibits the obligation or expenditure of federal funds for the planning, execution, security, transportation, or infrastructure support of a military parade in D.C. that is primarily meant to celebrate an individual's birthday or personal milestone, including that of President Trump.
• Findings: The bill states several findings, including:
  • Military parades should be reserved for national pride, significant events, or military commemorations, rather than for personal milestones like birthdays.
  • A military parade proposed during President Trump's first term was canceled due to costs, which were estimated to exceed $113 million, involving military and public safety expenses.
  • Heavy military equipment could damage the infrastructure of D.C., posing further financial burdens on taxpayers for repairs.
  • Events organized by the federal government can leave local agencies in D.C. with expenses that are often not fully reimbursed, creating a financial strain.
  • President Trump has reportedly expressed intentions to hold a military parade on June 14, 2025, which is noted as both Flag Day and his 79th birthday.
  • Historically, the U.S. Army has not conducted military parades for its own birthday, and the planning for this anniversary has involved no such parade in the capital.
• Congressional Sense: It is stated that the use of public funds should prioritize the security and well-being of the American population over personal glorification through military displays.
• Alternative Celebrations: The bill encourages the President to consider other, less extravagant forms of celebration for his birthday that don’t involve military displays, such as "cake, golf, or bingo night." It also extends birthday wishes to the President at no cost.

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