Barack Obama signed the 2016 law creating the commission behind America250.
On July 22, 2016, Obama signed the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. The law established a commission responsible for planning and coordinating observances of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The commission was created a decade before the 2026 anniversary. Its mandate covered historical commemorations, public programs, and cooperation with federal, state, local, educational, and cultural organizations.
The commission’s official name is the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, while America250 is the shorter public brand associated with its work. This law is separate from later executive actions and task forces related to 2026 celebrations. It also differs from the 2020 legislation that authorized temporary redesigns of U.S. coins.