PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 130 STAT. 685 

Public Law 114–196 

114th Congress 

An Act 

To establish the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, and for other purposes. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 

the United States of America in Congress assembled, 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United States Semiquincentennial 

Commission Act of 2016’’. 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that July 4, 2026, the 250th 

anniversary of the founding of the United States, as marked by 

the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the historic events 

preceding that anniversary— 

(1) are of major significance in the development of the 

national heritage of the United States of individual liberty, 

representative government, and the attainment of equal and 

inalienable rights; and 

(2) have had a profound influence throughout the world. 

(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this Act is to establish a Commission to provide for the observance and commemoration of the 250th 

anniversary of the founding of the United States and related events 

through local, State, national, and international activities planned, 

encouraged, developed, and coordinated by a national commission 

representative of appropriate public and private authorities and 

organizations. 

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 

In this Act: 

(1) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ means the 

United States Semiquincentennial Commission established by 

section 4(a). 

(2) PRIVATE CITIZEN.—The term ‘‘private citizen’’ means 

an individual who is not an officer or employee of— 

(A) the Federal Government; or 

(B) a State or local government. 

(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 

of the Interior. 

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—There is established a commission, to be 

known as the ‘‘United States Semiquincentennial Commission’’, to 

plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of 

the history of the United States leading up to the 250th anniversary 

of the founding of the United States. 

United States 

Semiquincentennial 

Commission Act 

of 2016. 

36 USC 101 

note prec. 

July 22, 2016 

[H.R. 4875] 


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130 STAT. 686 PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 

(b) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be composed of the 

following members: 

(1) Four members of the Senate, of whom— 

(A) two shall be appointed by the majority leader of 

the Senate; and 

(B) two shall be appointed by the minority leader of 

the Senate. 

(2) Four members of the House of Representatives, of 

whom— 

(A) two shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House 

of Representatives; and 

(B) two shall be appointed by the minority leader of 

the House of Representatives. 

(3) Sixteen members who are private citizens, of whom— 

(A) four shall be appointed by the majority leader 

of the Senate; 

(B) four shall be appointed by the minority leader 

of the Senate; 

(C) four shall be appointed by the Speaker of the 

House of Representatives; 

(D) four shall be appointed by the minority leader 

of the House of Representatives; and 

(E) one of whom shall be designated by the President 

as the Chairperson. 

(4) The following nonvoting ex officio members: 

(A) The Secretary. 

(B) The Secretary of State. 

(C) The Attorney General. 

(D) The Secretary of Defense. 

(E) The Secretary of Education. 

(F) The Librarian of Congress. 

(G) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

(H) The Archivist of the United States. 

(I) The presiding officer of the Federal Council on 

the Arts and the Humanities. 

(c) TERM; VACANCIES.— 

(1) TERM.—A member shall be appointed for the life of 

the Commission. 

(2) VACANCIES.—A vacancy on the Commission— 

(A) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; 

and 

(B) shall be filled in the same manner as the original 

appointment was made. 

(d) MEETINGS.—All meetings of the Commission shall be convened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to honor 

the historical significance of the building as the site of deliberations 

and adoption of both the United States Declaration of Independence 

and Constitution. 

(e) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of the Commission 

shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may 

hold hearings. 

SEC. 5. DUTIES. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall— 

(1) prepare an overall program for commemorating the 

250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and 

the historic events preceding that anniversary; and 

Pennsylvania. 

President. 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 130 STAT. 687 

(2) plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate observances 

and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded, 

and are associated with, the United States Semiquincentennial. 

(b) REQUIREMENTS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—In preparing plans and an overall program, the Commission— 

(A) shall give due consideration to any related plans 

and programs developed by State, local, and private groups; 

and 

(B) may designate special committees with representatives from groups described in subparagraph (A) to plan, 

develop, and coordinate specific activities. 

(2) EMPHASIS.—The Commission shall— 

(A) emphasize the planning of events in locations of 

historical significance to the United States, especially in 

those locations that witnessed the assertion of American 

liberty, such as— 

(i) the 13 colonies; and 

(ii) leading cities, including Boston, Charleston, 

New York City, and Philadelphia; and 

(B) give special emphasis to— 

(i) the role of persons and locations with significant 

impact on the history of the United States during 

the 250-year period beginning on the date of execution 

of the Declaration of Independence; and 

(ii) the ideas associated with that history, which 

have been so important in the development of the 

United States, in world affairs, and in the quest for 

freedom of all mankind. 

(3) INFRASTRUCTURE.—The Commission shall— 

(A) evaluate existing infrastructure; 

(B) include in the report required under subsection 

(c) recommendations for what infrastructure should be in 

place for the successful undertaking of an appropriate 

celebration in accordance with this Act; and 

(C) coordinate with State and local bodies to make 

necessary infrastructure improvements. 

(c) REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE PRESIDENT.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date 

of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 

President a comprehensive report that includes the specific 

recommendations of the Commission for the commemoration 

of the 250th anniversary and related events. 

(2) RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES.—The report may include recommended activities such as— 

(A) the production, publication, and distribution of 

books, pamphlets, films, and other educational materials 

focusing on the history, culture, and political thought of 

the period of the American Revolution; 

(B) bibliographical and documentary projects and 

publications; 

(C) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and 

other programs, especially those located in the 13 colonies, 

including the major cities and buildings of national historical significance of the 13 colonies; 

(D) the development of libraries, museums, historic 

sites, and exhibits, including mobile exhibits; 

Coordination. 

Recommendations. 

Evaluation. 


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130 STAT. 688 PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 

(E) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events, such as— 

(i) the signing of the Declaration of Independence; 

(ii) programs and activities focusing on the 

national and international significance of the United 

States Semiquincentennial; and 

(iii) the implications of the Semiquincentennial for 

present and future generations; and 

(F) encouraging Federal agencies to integrate the 

celebration of the Semiquincentennial into the regular 

activities and execution of the purpose of the agencies 

through such activities as the issuance of coins, medals, 

certificates of recognition, stamps, and the naming of vessels. 

(3) REQUIREMENTS.—The report shall include— 

(A) the recommendations of the Commission for the 

allocation of financial and administrative responsibility 

among the public and private authorities and organizations 

recommended for participation by the Commission; and 

(B) proposals for such legislative enactments and 

administrative actions as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the recommendations. 

(d) REPORT SUBMITTED TO CONGRESS.—The President shall 

submit to Congress a report that contains— 

(1) the complete report of the Commission; and 

(2) such comments and recommendations for legislation 

and such a description of administrative actions taken by the 

President as the President considers appropriate. 

(e) POINT OF CONTACT.—The Commission, acting through the 

secretariat of the Commission described in section 9(b), shall serve 

as the point of contact of the Federal Government for all State, 

local, international, and private sector initiatives regarding the 

Semiquincentennial of the founding of the United States, with 

the purpose of coordinating and facilitating all fitting and proper 

activities honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the 

United States. 

SEC. 6. COORDINATION. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out this Act, the Commission 

shall consult and cooperate with, and seek advice and assistance 

from, appropriate Federal agencies, State and local public bodies, 

learned societies, and historical, patriotic, philanthropic, civic, 

professional, and related organizations. 

(b) RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Federal agencies shall cooperate with 

the Commission in planning, encouraging, developing, and 

coordinating appropriate commemorative activities. 

(2) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall undertake a 

study of appropriate actions that might be taken to further 

preserve and develop historic sites and battlefields, at such 

time and in such manner as will ensure that fitting observances and exhibits may be held at appropriate sites and 

battlefields during the 250th anniversary celebration. 

(B) REPORT.—The Secretary shall submit to the 

Commission a report that contains the results of the study 

Recommendations. 

Study. 

Consultation. 

Recommendations. 

President. 

Recommendations. 


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and the recommendations of the Secretary, in time to afford 

the Commission an opportunity— 

(i) to review the study; and 

(ii) to incorporate in the report described in section 

5(c) such findings and recommendations as the 

Commission considers appropriate. 

(3) ARTS AND HUMANITIES.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The presiding officer of the Federal 

Council on the Arts and the Humanities, the Chairperson 

of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities 

shall cooperate with the Commission, especially in the 

encouragement and coordination of scholarly works and 

artistic expressions focusing on the history, culture, and 

political thought of the period predating the United States 

Semiquincentennial. 

(B) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 

AND ARCHIVES.— 

(i) IN GENERAL.—The Librarian of Congress, the 

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and the 

Archivist of the United States shall cooperate with 

the Commission, especially in the development and 

display of exhibits and collections and in the development of bibliographies, catalogs, and other materials 

relevant to the period predating the United States 

Semiquincentennial. 

(ii) LOCATION.—To the maximum extent practicable, displays described in subparagraph (A) shall 

be located in, or in facilities near to, buildings of historical significance to the American Revolution, so as 

to promote greater public awareness of the heritage 

of the United States. 

(C) SUBMISSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.—Each of the 

officers described in this paragraph shall submit to the 

Commission a report containing recommendations in time 

to afford the Commission an opportunity— 

(i) to review the reports; and 

(ii) to incorporate in the report described in section 

5(c) such findings and recommendations as the 

Commission considers appropriate. 

(4) DEPARTMENT OF STATE.—The Secretary of State shall 

coordinate the participation of foreign nations in the celebration 

of the United States Semiquincentennial, including by soliciting 

the erection of monuments and other cultural cooperations in 

founding cities of the United States so as— 

(A) to celebrate the shared heritage of the United 

States with the many peoples and nations of the world; 

and 

(B) to provide liaison and encouragement for the erection of international pavilions to showcase the spread of 

democratic institutions abroad in the period following the 

American Revolution. 

SEC. 7. POWERS. 

(a) HEARINGS.—The Commission may hold such hearings, meet 

and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive 

Reports. 


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130 STAT. 690 PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 

such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out 

this Act. 

(b) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may secure directly from 

a Federal agency such information as the Commission considers 

necessary to carry out this Act. 

(2) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall provide 

the information to the Commission. 

(c) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission may use the United 

States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions 

as other agencies of the Federal Government. 

(d) GIFTS.—The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of 

gifts or donations of money, property, or personal services. 

(e) ADDITIONAL POWERS.—As determined necessary by the 

Commission, the Commission may— 

(1) procure supplies, services, and property; 

(2) make contracts; 

(3) expend in furtherance of this Act funds donated or 

received in pursuance of contracts entered into under this Act; 

and 

(4) take such actions as are necessary to enable the 

Commission to carry out efficiently and in the public interest 

the purposes of this Act. 

(f) USE OF MATERIALS.— 

(1) TIME CAPSULE.—A representative portion of all books, 

manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, 

and other materials relating to the United States 

Semiquincentennial shall be deposited in a time capsule— 

(A) to be buried in Independence Mall, Philadelphia, 

on July 4, 2026; and 

(B) to be unearthed on the occasion of the 500th 

anniversary of the United States of America on July 4, 

2276. 

(2) OTHER MATERIALS.—All other books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other materials relating to the United States Semiquincentennial, whether 

donated to the Commission or collected by the Commission, 

may be deposited for preservation in national, State, or local 

libraries or museums or be otherwise disposed of by the 

Commission, in consultation with the Librarian of Congress, 

the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Archivist 

of the United States, and the Administrator of General Services. 

(g) PROPERTY.—Any property acquired by the Commission 

remaining on termination of the Commission may be— 

(1) used by the Secretary for purposes of the National 

Park Service; or 

(2) disposed of as excess or surplus property. 

SEC. 8. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. 

(a) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for service on the Commission. 

(b) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—A member of the Commission shall 

be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, 

at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter 

I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from 


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PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 130 STAT. 691 

the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Commission. 

(c) STAFF.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairperson of the Commission may, 

without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), 

appoint and terminate an executive director and such other 

additional personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission 

to perform the duties of the Commission. 

(2) CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.—The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation 

by the Commission. 

(3) COMPENSATION.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph 

(B), the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel 

without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, 

relating to classification of positions and General Schedule 

pay rates. 

(B) MAXIMUM RATE OF PAY.—The rate of pay for the 

executive director and other personnel shall not exceed 

the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule 

under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. 

(d) DETAIL OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—An employee of the Federal Government 

may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement. 

(2) CIVIL SERVICE STATUS.—The detail of the employee shall 

be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. 

(e) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT SERVICES.—The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary 

and intermittent services in accordance with section 3109(b) of 

title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not 

exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 

of that title. 

(f) ADVISORY COMMITTEES.—The Commission may appoint such 

advisory committees as the Commission determines necessary. 

SEC. 9. EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—All expenditures of the Commission shall 

be made solely from donated funds. 

(b) ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARIAT.—The Secretary of the 

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 Act. Under such arrangement, 

such nonprofit organization shall— 

(1) serve as the secretariat of the Commission, including 

by serving as the point of contact under section 5(e); 

(2) house the administrative offices of the Commission; 

(3) assume responsibility for funds of the Commission; and 

(4) provide to the Commission financial and administrative 

services, including services related to budgeting, accounting, 

financial reporting, personnel, and procurement. 

(c) PAYMENT FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), payment for 

services provided under subsection (b)(4) shall be made in 


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130 STAT. 692 PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 4875 (S. 2815): 

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 162 (2016): 

July 5, considered and passed House. 

July 12, considered and passed Senate. 

Æ 

advance, or by reimbursement, from funds of the Commission 

in such amounts as may be agreed on by the Chairperson 

of the Commission and the secretariat of the Commission. 

(2) RELATIONSHIP TO REGULATIONS.— (A) ERRONEOUS PAYMENTS.—The regulations under section 5514 of title 5, United States Code, relating to the 

collection of indebtedness of personnel resulting from erroneous payments shall apply to the collection of erroneous 

payments made to, or on behalf of, a Commission employee. 

(B) NO PROMULGATION BY COMMISSION.—The Commission shall not be required to prescribe any regulations 

relating to the matters described in subparagraph (A). 

(d) ANNUAL REPORT.—Once each year during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 

31, 2027, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report of 

the activities of the Commission, including an accounting of funds 

received and expended during the year covered by the report. 

SEC. 10. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION. 

The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2027. 

Approved July 22, 2016. 

Time period. 

Applicability. 


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