An amendment in 2020 increased the membership of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission.
The commission was originally created by Congress in 2016 to organize the nation’s 250th anniversary observances. Its initial structure included private citizens, members of Congress, and federal officials, creating a mixture of public and appointed representation.
The 2020 amendment expanded the number of nonvoting ex officio federal officials and added a member designated by the chief justice of the United States. As a result, the commission’s overall membership increased from 33 to 36.
The change also addressed practical matters involving federal appropriations and the commission’s ability to accept congressional funding. This means the 2020 amendment was more than a numerical adjustment: it altered the organization’s representation and financial framework as preparations for 2026 continued.