Which organization did Congress create in 2016 to plan the United States Semiquincentennial?

Congress created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to plan and coordinate the 250th-anniversary observance.

The commission was established by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. Its purpose was to organize a nationwide commemoration of American independence and encourage participation by governments, institutions, and the public.

The commission is commonly associated with the America250 branding. It is a congressional, nonpartisan organization rather than a single event or a temporary local committee. Philadelphia had promoted itself as a possible host city before the federal commission was created, reflecting the city’s central role in the founding era.

The commission’s work is distinct from the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which was created later. That distinction is a frequent source of confusion because both groups have been connected with 2026 anniversary planning.