Barack Obama signed the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act into law in 2016, creating the commission behind America250.
The law was enacted on July 22, 2016, as Public Law 114-196. Its formal title was the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. The commission was established to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate national observances leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The commission is the official congressional body associated with America250, the national commemoration of the Declaration of Independence and the founding era. Its work includes coordinating with federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and communities across the country.
A common mix-up is confusing the act’s 2016 creation with later developments. The commission existed before the 2020 amendments that expanded its membership and responsibilities, and before Executive Order 14189 created a separate White House task force in 2025. Obama was president when the original commission legislation became law.