United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, one of my favorite Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, once said that ``by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.''

H.R. 4875, the United States Semiquincentennial Act of 2016 establishes a commission to facilitate the national plans leading up to America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. This is the same process that was used in planning for the bicentennial celebrations all across the Nation in 1976.

There is much to do, so we are following Ben Franklin's advice here and starting the planning 10 years ahead of what should be an historic celebration.

To develop these plans, the 32-member body of private citizens and public officials will meet in historic Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the very place where our new Nation was declared. Within 2 years of its formation, the commission is charged with reporting recommendations on plans to the President and to Congress. Importantly, this legislation does not appropriate any funds toward the commission activities. The commission will rely solely on generous donations from private citizens.

While the United States was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the commission will not be limited to planning events just in our great city. H.R. 4875 encourages the commission to develop event plans at sites of historical significance, at battlefields and important locations all across the Nation that will truly celebrate the birth of the United States of America.

I want to thank my colleague Bob Brady for his leadership and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for their work on the measure.

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