The PA House State Government Committee has approved State Rep. Pat Harkins' resolution to declare Patriots' Day a federal holiday. 

Harkins said the holiday, commemorated in several northeast states, needs to become a national observance.  

“On April 19, 1775, the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the famous ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ launched the American Revolution,” Harkins said. “Nearly 250 years later, we are still fiercely committed to protecting liberty and fighting tyranny."

The solution now heads to the House floor.