Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8741
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:08:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes the Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission to plan and recommend federal activities marking the 250th anniversary of the 1777-1778 Philadelphia Campaign in the American Revolution. The bill recognizes the campaign's role in securing French alliance, strengthening the Continental Army, and highlighting British vulnerabilities.
Key Provisions
- Findings and Sense of Congress: Details the campaign's historical importance across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, including events at Brandywine, Valley Forge, and Monmouth, and expresses congressional support for official recognition of the anniversary.
- Commission Establishment and Membership: Creates a 14-member voting commission including the Librarian of Congress, the Chief Operating Officer of the Museum of the American Revolution, and 12 appointed citizens (with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointments, plus Pennsylvania gubernatorial input). Honorary nonvoting roles are available for the President and leaders of France and the United Kingdom. Members serve without pay but receive travel expenses.
- Duties: Requires submission of a report to Congress recommending commemorative activities, such as artifact preservation, digital resources, conferences, or educational programs. The Commission must consult specified historical societies and coordinate with state, local, and private entities via a voluntary registry.
- Powers and Operations: Allows hearings, contracts, mail use, donations, and administrative support from the General Services Administration. A Director and staff may be hired outside standard civil service rules.
- Reports and Termination: Mandates interim reports at 6 and 12 months, a final report by September 30, 2028, and commission termination 120 days later.
- Funding: Authorizes $2.5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates a new temporary federal commission rather than amending prior statutes. It introduces no direct modifications to existing commemorative or historical programs but authorizes new appropriations and intergovernmental coordination mechanisms for this specific anniversary.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Involves congressional oversight, presidential appointments, and potential reimbursable support from the General Services Administration and the Museum of the American Revolution.
- Citizens: Promotes public education on Revolutionary War history through recommended resources and events.
- International Relations: Encourages honorary participation by France and the United Kingdom, reflecting the campaign's role in the French alliance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Historical and cultural institutions (e.g., Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Brandywine Conservancy, Delaware Historical Society).
- The Museum of the American Revolution (providing administrative support).
- Federal entities (Congress, President, Librarian of Congress).
- State and local governments in affected regions, plus private sector and educational organizations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure operates within Congress's authority to establish commissions and appropriate funds for commemorative purposes. Appointments follow a bipartisan structure with geographic and expertise requirements. No constitutional conflicts are evident, though the commission's reliance on voluntary coordination and donations may limit its scope.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission Act — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (12 pages)