Which congressional body began official planning for America’s 250th anniversary in 2016?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission began official planning for America’s 250th anniversary in 2016.

Congress created the commission through legislation known as the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. Its purpose was to help plan and coordinate a national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The commission worked with federal agencies, states, territories, civic groups, cultural organizations, and private partners. Its activities included developing national programs, encouraging local participation, and coordinating with the America250 Foundation, which served as its private nonprofit partner.

The commission is distinct from the task forces and organizations that later supported individual programs. “America250” became the shared public identity associated with the commission, its foundation, and the wider commemoration. The body was established well before the 2026 anniversary so that projects could be developed over several years.