What federal commission did the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 create for America250?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission is the federal commission created by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 for America250 planning.

The commission was established as a congressional, non-partisan organization to prepare for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. Its work includes coordinating commemorative activities, encouraging educational programs, and helping connect federal, state, local, and private celebrations.

The act directed the federal government to support commemorative coins and postage stamps and to name naval vessels appropriately in advance of the anniversary. It also identified Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Charleston as leading cities because of their connections to the American Revolution.

The commission is sometimes confused with the 1970s United States Bicentennial administration, which organized the 200th-anniversary observances in 1976. America250 refers to the later semiquincentennial effort, centered on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence's adoption.