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.

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Kim and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia on July 2, 2026 to commemorate the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.

Submitted in Senate

Overview

SCONRES 35 is a concurrent resolution in the United States Congress that provides for a joint session of Congress to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The joint session is intended to honor the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence.

Purpose and Intent

Formalize a joint session of the two chambers of Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives) to occur on a specified date and location.

Mark and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, recognizing its historical significance and ongoing impact.

Provide a ceremonial venue and framework for reflection on American founding principles, national history, and the legacy of independence.

Key Provisions

Scheduling: Authorization for a joint session to be held on July 2, 2026.

Venue: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the location for the joint session.

Nature of Event: A ceremonial congressional gathering intended for commemoration, likely including remarks by Members of Congress and possibly invited guests, consistent with typical joint sessions.

Date-Specific Focus: Ties the session to the semiquincentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

Who Is Affected

Members of both chambers of Congress (Senate and House) who would typically participate in a joint session.

House and Senate staff involved in organizing and coordinating the joint session.

The venue city and local/state authorities in Philadelphia, which would coordinate with congressional staff on logistics, security, and ceremonial arrangements.

The broader public and national audience who may be invited to or participate in a commemorative event.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Referral: Referred to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee (as of 2026-06-24) for consideration.

Formal Action: The bill was submitted in the Senate on 2026-06-24.

Co-Sponsors: Andy Kim and Dave McCormick are listed as co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan participation in supporting the resolution.

Passage Expectations: As a concurrent resolution, it typically requires approval by both chambers but does not require the President's signature. It is mainly a procedural and ceremonial designation.

Implementation Window: The event is scheduled for July 2, 2026, with planning likely commencing upon passage and coordination with congressional leadership and the White House as needed.

Additional Notes

The bill is centered on ceremonial authority rather than substantive policy changes.

The resolution underscores the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States’ founding principles as part of a national commemoration.

While the exact program details (speakers, format, security arrangements) are not specified in the summary, typical joint sessions include formal remarks and may involve presidential or congressional leadership participation.

If you’d like, I can expand this with historical context on prior joint sessions or provide a comparison to similar commemorative resolutions.