The Italian Heroes and Heritage Act would prevent the federal government from providing funding to any state or local government that celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. The bill establishes this funding prohibition beginning October 12, 2026, and would continue to apply on every Columbus Day going forward. According to the legislation, the purpose is to honor Italian-American heritage and Christopher Columbus, with findings that cite the 1892 establishment of Columbus Day by President Benjamin Harrison partly to honor 11 Italian-Americans who were killed in a New Orleans lynch mob. The bill does not specify the amount of federal funding that would be withheld or provide mechanisms for enforcement. Any state or locality that opts to observe Indigenous Peoples Day on October 12 instead of Columbus Day would lose eligibility for federal funds, though the bill does not detail which programs or funding streams would be affected.