Philadelphia Campaign 250th Commission

Summary#

This bill creates the Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission. The Commission must prepare reports for Congress recommending federal activities to mark the 250th anniversary of the 1777–1778 Philadelphia Campaign. The report may include suggested legislation and funding requests. The Commission must consider actions such as acquiring and preserving artifacts, sponsoring a publicly available interactive digital resource, holding conferences and exhibitions, and creating nationally accessible educational resources. The Commission must consult with several regional historical and cultural institutions named in the bill, encourage coordination with state, local, international, and private groups, and—through the Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of the American Revolution—establish a voluntary registry of commemoration initiatives.

The Commission will have 14 voting members: the Librarian of Congress; the Chief Operating Officer of the Museum of the American Revolution; and 12 qualified citizens appointed by the President, Senate leaders, House leaders, and by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Pennsylvania. Some appointees must be current Members of Congress. The President serves as an honorary nonvoting member and may invite the President of France and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom as honorary nonvoting members. The Commission may appoint a Director and staff, hold hearings, enter contracts, accept donations, and request reimbursable administrative support from the General Services Administration.

The Commission must give interim reports at 6 months and 1 year after enactment and a final report to Congress by September 30, 2028. The Commission terminates 120 days after submitting the final report.

What it means for you#

  • If you work at or run a museum, historical society, school, or public history program, the Commission could support conferences, exhibitions, and educational resources about the Philadelphia Campaign.
  • The Commission may create an online, publicly available digital resource that teachers, students, and the public can use.
  • The Commission will seek to coordinate local and private commemoration projects and keep a voluntary registry of initiatives through the Museum of the American Revolution.
  • Members of the public may see federally supported exhibits, digital materials, or events related to the campaign if the Commission recommends them and Congress funds them.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2027 and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2028 for the Commission, to remain available until expended.
  • Commission voting members serve without pay but may receive travel expenses and per diem.
  • The Commission may accept donations of money and personal services, enter into contracts for supplies and services, and request reimbursable administrative support from the General Services Administration.
  • The Director and staff may be appointed and paid without regard to some federal civil service rules, as described in the bill.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s findings state that the Philadelphia Campaign (1777–1778) was a major part of the American Revolution, helped secure French alliance, and led to the Continental Army becoming more disciplined. The bill says that Americans can benefit from a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Philadelphia Campaign, and that the 250th anniversary should be officially recognized.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.