Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission Act

Overview

Bill: HR 8741, 119th Congress, 2nd Session
Purpose: Establish the Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission to plan, coordinate, and recommend federal activities and resources commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Philadelphia Campaign (1777–1778).

Sponsor: Rep. Brendan Boyle (with co-sponsors)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (May 12, 2026)

What the bill would do

• Create the Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission (the Commission).
• Task the Commission with preparing and submitting to Congress a report outlining recommended federal activities to observe the 250th anniversary, including any proposed legislation and appropriations.
• Recommend specific commemorative activities such as:
  • Acquisition and preservation of artifacts related to the Philadelphia Campaign.
  • Public resources and programs, including interactive digital resources, conferences, exhibitions, and nationally accessible educational resources.

Composition and governance

• Membership: 14 voting members
  • 1 Librarian of Congress
  • 1 Chief Operating Officer of the Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia)
  • 12 qualified citizens
  • 2 appointed by the President
  • 2 by the Senate majority leader (at least one a Senator)
  • 2 by the Governor of Pennsylvania (one may be a Senator)
  • 2 by the Senate minority leader (at least one a Senator)
  • 2 by the Speaker of the House (at least one a Member of the House)
  • 2 by the House minority leader (at least one a Member of the House)
• Appointment timing: Initial appointments within 60 days of enactment.
• Term and removal: Members serve for the life of the Commission; removable for malfeasance by a majority vote.
• Support: The President can designate honorary, nonvoting members (including potential invitation to the Presidents of France and the United Kingdom as honorary members). Administrative support from the Museum of the American Revolution is contemplated.
• Leadership: The Commission selects a Chair from its voting members.
• Pay: Members serve without pay; travel expenses and per diem are provided for voting members.

Powers and operations

• Hearings and evidence: The Commission may hold hearings and take testimony as needed.
• Administrative authority: Can contract for services, accept donations, and use U.S. mail.
• Federal coordination: May propose a voluntary registry of commemorative initiatives in partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution.

Reporting and termination

• Interim reports: Due at 6 months and 1 year after enactment.
• Final report: Due by September 30, 2028, detailing activities and including additional relevant information.
• Termination: The Commission terminates 120 days after the final report is submitted to Congress.

Funding

• Authorization of appropriations: $2.5 million for FY 2027 and $2.5 million for FY 2028, available until expended.

Potential impact

• Provides federal coordination and resources to commemorate the Philadelphia Campaign’s 250th anniversary.
• Encourages preservation of artifacts, development of digital and educational resources, and public programming.
• Involves national and regional historical institutions and the Museum of the American Revolution to facilitate collaboration.
• Establishes a temporary, purpose-driven body with a defined timeline and sunset around 2028–2029, contingent on final reporting.