Which U.S. public law created the commission behind America250?

Public Law 114-196 created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission behind America250.

Congress established the commission in 2016 to plan and coordinate the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The law created a federal framework for organizing events, encouraging public participation, and connecting national plans with state, territorial, local, and private efforts.

The commission is distinct from America250.org, Inc., the nonprofit organization that supports many of the initiative’s programs and public-facing activities. The commission’s work concerns the national observance, while partner organizations help develop projects and engage communities.

Public Law 114-196 is also known as the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act. Its date matters because planning for the 2026 anniversary began a decade before the celebration itself, rather than being improvised during the anniversary year.