United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016
PL 114-196 (H.R.4875), enacted 07/22/2016

130 STAT. 685 
PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 
Public Law 114–196 
114th Congress 
An Act 
To establish the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, and for other pur-
poses. 
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 Commis-
sion 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 
Semiquin- 
centennial 
Commission Act 
of 2016. 
36 USC 101 
note prec. 
July 22, 2016 
[H.R. 4875] 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00683
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
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 con-
vened 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. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00684
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
130 STAT. 687 
PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 
(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 pro-
gram, 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 representa-
tives 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 rec-
ommended 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 histor-
ical significance of the 13 colonies; 
(D) the development of libraries, museums, historic 
sites, and exhibits, including mobile exhibits; 
Coordination. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Evaluation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00685
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
130 STAT. 688 
PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 
(E) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating spe-
cific 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 ves-
sels. 
(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 nec-
essary 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 observ-
ances 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 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Study. 
Consultation. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
President. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00686
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
130 STAT. 689 
PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 
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 Chair-
person 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 develop-
ment of bibliographies, catalogs, and other materials 
relevant to the period predating the United States 
Semiquincentennial. 
(ii) LOCATION.—To the maximum extent prac-
ticable, displays described in subparagraph (A) shall 
be located in, or in facilities near to, buildings of histor-
ical 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 erec-
tion 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. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00687
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
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 Chair-
person 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, mis-
cellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other mate-
rials 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 Commis-
sion 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 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00688
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
130 STAT. 691 
PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 
the home or regular place of business of the member in the perform-
ance 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 employ-
ment 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 com-
pensation of the executive director and other personnel 
without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and sub-
chapter 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 privi-
lege. 
(e) PROCUREMENT
OF TEMPORARY
AND INTERMITTENT SERV-
ICES.—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 pre-
scribed 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 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00689
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6581
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)
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. 
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2016): 
July 22, Presidential statement. 
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 sec-
tion 5514 of title 5, United States Code, relating to the 
collection of indebtedness of personnel resulting from erro-
neous payments shall apply to the collection of erroneous 
payments made to, or on behalf of, a Commission employee. 
(B) NO PROMULGATION BY COMMISSION.—The Commis-
sion 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 begin-
ning 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. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
06:31 Jul 18, 2022
Jkt 059194
PO 00001
Frm 00690
Fmt 6580
Sfmt 6580
G:\STATUTES\2016\PT1\59194PT1.001
59194PT1
dkrause on LAP5T8D0R2PROD with DISTILLER (1)