A 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.
- Bill Number
- S.Con.Res. 35
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S3221)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-05T01:13:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Con. Res. 35
Purpose of the Legislation
This concurrent resolution directs the Senate and House of Representatives to hold a joint session outside Washington, D.C., specifically to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Key Provisions Outlined
- The two houses of Congress shall meet in joint session at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
- The session is intended solely to commemorate the approval of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
- The resolution includes a series of background statements noting Philadelphia’s historical role as the site of the Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention, and the first U.S. capital, as well as the city’s status as a World Heritage City.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
- The resolution does not amend any existing statutes or create new legal requirements.
- It authorizes a one-time exception to the normal practice of Congress meeting in the District of Columbia, consistent with two prior instances noted in the document.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Requires coordination between congressional leadership, the National Park Service, and Philadelphia officials for logistics, security, and venue use at Independence National Historical Park.
- Citizens: Provides a public ceremonial event that may increase awareness of the nation’s founding documents and encourage visits to historic sites in Philadelphia.
- International relations: No direct effects are described.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
- The City of Philadelphia and its local government.
- The National Park Service, which manages Independence National Historical Park.
- Historical preservation organizations and tourism interests connected to the site.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The measure relies on Congress’s authority to determine the place of its meetings, as referenced by the two prior out-of-D.C. sessions cited in the resolution.
- It is presented as a bipartisan commemorative action without altering any constitutional procedures for legislation or governance.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S3221)
- 2026-06-24: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (3 pages)