Providing for a joint session of the Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in honor of the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
This concurrent resolution would formally authorize a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, to commemorate the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution emphasizes Philadelphia’s central role in American history and Designates Independence National Historical Park as the venue for the ceremony. It is ceremonial in nature, outlining historical rationale and the date/place for the gathering, but it does not create new laws or authorize spending. The operative provision directs that the two houses of Congress assemble in a joint session at Independence National Historical Park for the purpose of commemorating the Declaration of Independence. The bill places the event in the long tradition of Congress meeting outside the District of Columbia for special occasions but does not establish any funding or substantive policy changes.
Key Points
- 1Time, place, and purpose: Establishes a joint session of Congress at Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, to commemorate the Declaration of Independence.
- 2Ceremonial framing: The resolution provides historical and contextual “Whereas” statements highlighting Philadelphia’s role in American founding events and its status as a World Heritage City.
- 3Historical precedent: Notes prior times Congress met outside Washington, D.C. (e.g., 1987 in Philadelphia, 2002 in New York) for significant national commemorations.
- 4Nature of the measure: It is a concurrent resolution, expressing the sense of the two Houses and authorizing a ceremonial joint session; it does not enact policy or authorize spending.
- 5Funding implications: The bill does not appropriates funds; any associated costs would require separate legislation or appropriations.