Barack Obama signed the 2016 law establishing the Semiquincentennial Commission.
The commission was created through federal legislation in July 2016, during Obama’s presidency. Its purpose was to plan and coordinate national observances for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The commission was designed as a bipartisan and nonpartisan body involving members of Congress, private citizens and federal officials. It was given responsibilities that included developing recommendations, coordinating anniversary activities and supporting commemorative projects such as coins and postage stamps.
The 2016 law should not be confused with later legislation that amended the commission’s structure or funding arrangements. Nor should Obama’s role be confused with the leaders who later chaired or administered the commission. The president who signed the establishing law was Barack Obama.