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AR 154

Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Herb Conaway and 4 co-sponsors

Urges Congress to authorize a July 2, 2026 joint session in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, to mark the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.

Filed with Secretary of State
#memorializat
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Bill Summary · AR 154

Summary of Assembly Resolution No. 154 (AR 154)

Overview

AR 154 is a New Jersey Assembly resolution urging Congress to authorize a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Independence Hall, to commemorate the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the Declaration of Independence. The measure emphasizes the historical significance of Independence Hall and New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution.

Purpose and Rationale

  • The resolution seeks to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 2026) by supporting a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia on July 2, 2026.
  • It cites Independence Hall as the historic site where the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration in 1776.
  • It also highlights New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history and the state’s close ties to Philadelphia and the broader founding era.

Key Provisions

  • Urges Congress to approve House Congressional Resolution 115 from the 118th Congress, which would authorize a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 2, 2026, to commemorate the Declaration of Independence.
  • Specifies the joint session would take place at Independence Hall (Independence National Historical Park) in Philadelphia.
  • Directs the Clerk of the General Assembly to transmit copies of AR 154 to the Senate and House leaders of the United States, and to every member of Congress elected from New Jersey.
  • As amended, the resolution functions as a formal urging to federal action rather than creating any state-level requirement.

Sponsorship and Amendments

  • Sponsored by Assemblyman William F. Moen, Jr. (District 5) and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. (District 7).
  • Co-sponsored by Assemblywomen Lisa Swain Matsikoudis, Cara Donlon, and Victoria F. Fantasia (per version content).
  • Committee amendments (dated Jan. 23, 2025) specifically urge the 119th Congress to reintroduce and promptly pass H.R. 115 (the 118th Congress’ House Resolution 115), aligning the state measure with the prior federal proposal.

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: September 12, 2024.
  • Committee Action: Reported out of the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee with amendments (January 23, 2025).
  • Assembly Action: Passed by the Assembly (71 voting yes, 0 no, 2 present/other) on January 30, 2025.
  • Filed with Secretary of State: January 30, 2025.
  • Status: Filed; awaiting any potential action by the Senate or formal adoption as law.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • Primary effect: Encourages federal action to schedule a commemorative joint session in Philadelphia in 2026.
  • Affects: U.S. Congress (requires federal approval), with symbolic resonance for New Jersey and its historical community; state government communicates support to federal lawmakers.
  • The resolution underscores historical connections among New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the broader founding era.

Timeline and Next Steps

  • Semiquincentennial date: July 4, 2026.
  • Proposed joint session date: July 2, 2026 (per H.R. 115, 118th Congress).
  • If federal action is taken, Congress would hold a joint session at Independence Hall to commemorate the Declaration of Independence.

Contextual Notes

  • The bill situates the event at Independence Hall, a site of central significance to the founding of the United States.
  • It references New Jersey’s Revolutionary War legacy and the first public readings of the Declaration in multiple locations, underscoring regional historical importance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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