What 2016 law created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016.

The law established a federal framework for planning the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. It provided the legal basis for a commission that could coordinate national commemorative activities and work with public and private partners.

The act followed years of interest in planning a national semiquincentennial. Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration was debated and adopted, was especially prominent in early discussions, although observances were designed to involve the entire country.

The law should not be confused with legislation for the 1976 Bicentennial or with later laws concerning commemorative coins. Those measures addressed different anniversaries or programs. The 2016 act is specifically associated with creating the federal semiquincentennial commission.