Which commission did the U.S. Congress establish in 2016 to plan the America250 commemoration?

The U.S. Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to plan the America250 commemoration.

The commission was created by federal legislation signed during Barack Obama’s presidency. Its role is to help coordinate a nationwide observance of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The commission includes members of Congress, private citizens, and federal officials. Independence Hall in Philadelphia was selected for its inaugural meeting because it is associated with both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

America250 is the public identity shared by the commission and its nonprofit partner. The commission is not the same institution as the separate White House task force created in 2025; the two have different origins and organizational structures.