Bill Summary
This legislation, known as a Concurrent Resolution, calls for a joint session of the United States Congress to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 2, 2026. This session is in commemoration of the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia is recognized as the birthplace of the United States, as it played a critical role in the founding of the country and was the location of important historical events such as the First and Second Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention. This resolution is a way for Congress to honor and remember the significance of Philadelphia and the Declaration of Independence in the history of the United States.
Possible Impacts
1. This legislation could affect people by requiring them to travel to Philadelphia in 2026 for a joint session of Congress, which could be a financial burden for some individuals.
2. Individuals who live in Philadelphia may be affected by increased security measures and road closures in the city due to the joint session of Congress.
3. The legislation could also affect people's daily routines and plans in Philadelphia, as the joint session may cause disruptions and closures in the city for safety and logistical reasons.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 16 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 16
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.
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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 27, 2025
Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. Evans of
Pennsylvania, Ms. Salazar, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms. Scanlon, Mr.
Thompson of Pennsylvania, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Deluzio, Mr.
Fitzpatrick, Ms. Houlahan, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mackenzie, and
Mr. Smucker) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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.
Whereas the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1682;
Whereas Philadelphia has become known as the Nation's birthplace for the
critical role it played in the founding of the United States of America;
Whereas Philadelphia was the meeting place for the first Continental Congress,
the second Continental Congress, and the Constitutional Convention;
Whereas Philadelphia served as the capital of the United States from 1790-1800;
Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the
Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, at the Pennsylvania State
House, now known as Independence Hall;
Whereas the Declaration of Independence officially severed the 13 colonies' ties
to the British Crown;
Whereas Independence Hall is 1 of only 26 cultural World Heritage sites in the
United States of America;
Whereas Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, became the first World Heritage City in the
United States of America;
Whereas, shortly after the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin
Franklin proclaimed of the Rising Sun Armchair at Independence Hall, ``I
have often looked at that picture behind the president without being
able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have
the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun'';
Whereas across from Independence Hall stands the Liberty Bell, displaying the
phrase ``Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the
Inhabitants thereof'';
Whereas only on 2 occasions since the United States Capitol moved to Washington,
District of Colombia, in 1800 has Congress convened outside of the
District of Colombia;
Whereas, on July 16, 1987, Congress met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, to ``honor the bicentennial of the Constitution'' and
commemorate ``the 200th anniversary of the Great Compromise of the
Constitutional Convention'';
Whereas, on September 6, 2002, Congress met at Federal Hall in New York, New
York, ``in remembrance of the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001,
and in recognition of the courage and spirit of the City of New York'';
and
Whereas, July 4, 2026, will serve as the semiquincentennial, or 250th
anniversary, of the founding of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That, in honor of the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of
Independence, the two Houses of the Congress shall assemble in a joint
session at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, for the purpose of
commemorating the Declaration of Independence.
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