What 2016 U.S. law established the commission that planned America’s 250th-anniversary celebration?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 established the commission that planned America’s 250th-anniversary celebration.

Congress enacted the law as Public Law 114–196 on July 22, 2016, and President Barack Obama signed it. The act created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate commemorations of U.S. history leading up to the 250th anniversary.

The commission was designed as a national, nonpartisan body involving federal officials, members of Congress, private citizens, and representatives connected with state and local efforts. Its work eventually became closely associated with the America250 name and the 2026 Semiquincentennial.

A common mix-up is confusing this law with the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. That later act authorized special 2026 coin designs, while the 2016 law created the commission responsible for coordinating the broader anniversary observance.