Which federal law created the commission responsible for planning America250?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act created the commission responsible for planning America250.

Congress passed the law in 2016, establishing a bipartisan federal commission to prepare for the 250th anniversary of American independence. The commission’s work includes coordinating commemorative programs, encouraging nationwide participation, and supporting events connected to important Revolutionary-era locations.

The act followed years of advocacy for a national semiquincentennial celebration. Philadelphia-based USA250, founded in 2011, had promoted federal support and a major role for Philadelphia, the city associated with the Continental Congress and Independence Hall.

The commission is separate from the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which was established later. That distinction matters because both organizations have been associated with anniversary planning, but they were created under different authorities and at different times.