On October 25, 2001, House Joint Resolution 71 was introduced and passed the House of Representatives without amendment by a vote of 407 to zero. Senate Joint Resolution 29 was introduced and passed the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent on November 30, 2001. According to a summary prepared by the Congressional Research Service, the legislation:

“Designates September 11 as Patriot Day."

“Requests the President to issue a proclamation each year regarding the observation of Patriot Day and the display of the U.S. flag at half staff in honor of individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”

On December 18, 2001, President George W. Bush signed Public Law 107-89, amending Title 36 of the United States Code to designate September 11 as Patriot Day.