PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 114-196.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jul 22, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 5, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016
(Sec. 4) This bill establishes the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to plan, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of U.S. history leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
(Sec. 5) The Commission shall: (1) prepare an overall program for the commemoration; (2) plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate observances and activities commemorating the historic events associated with the Semiquincentennial; (3) emphasize the planning of events in locations of historical significance to the United States; and (4) give special emphasis to the role of persons and locations with significant impact on U.S. history beginning on the date of execution of the Declaration of Independence and to the ideas associated with that history.
(Sec. 6) The Department of the Interior shall study and report to the Commission on appropriate actions that might be taken to further preserve and develop historic sites and battlefields to ensure that fitting observances and exhibits may be held at such sites during the celebration.
The Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Archives shall cooperate with the Commission. The Secretary of State shall coordinate the participation of foreign nations in the celebration.
Interior shall, through a competitive process, seek to enter into an arrangement with a nonprofit organization, the mission of which is consistent with the purpose of this bill, under which such nonprofit shall:
serve as the secretariat of the Commission;
house the administrative offices of the Commission;
assume responsibility for funds of the Commission; and
provide to the Commission financial and administrative services related to budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, personnel, and procurement.
(Sec. 10) The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2027.
People & committees
Rep. Meehan, Patrick [R-PA-7] · R–PA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 114-196.
Became Public Law No: 114-196.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5010)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5010)
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4258-4260)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H4258-4260)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4875.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4258-4260)
Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Oct 29, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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