HCONRES 16
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.
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Bill overview
This concurrent resolution proposes a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The event would honor the city’s historical significance as the birthplace of the nation, particularly referencing Independence Hall and the Declaration of Independence. This session aims to recognize Philadelphia’s role in key moments of American history, including the Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention. It also references previous congressional gatherings in Philadelphia to mark significant anniversaries.
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. CON. RES. 16
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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.
Whereas the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1682;
Whereas Philadelphia has become known as the Nation’s birthplace for the critical role it played in the founding of the United States of America;
Whereas Philadelphia was the meeting place for the first Continental Congress, the second Continental Congress, and the Constitutional Convention;
Whereas Philadelphia served as the capital of the United States from 1790–1800;
Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall;
Whereas the Declaration of Independence officially severed the 13 colonies’ ties to the British Crown;
Whereas Independence Hall is 1 of only 26 cultural World Heritage sites in the United States of America;
Whereas Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, became the first World Heritage City in the United States of America;
Whereas, shortly after the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin proclaimed of the Rising Sun Armchair at Independence Hall, I have often looked at that picture behind the president without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun
;
Whereas across from Independence Hall stands the Liberty Bell, displaying the phrase Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof
;
Whereas only on 2 occasions since the United States Capitol moved to Washington, District of Colombia, in 1800 has Congress convened outside of the District of Colombia;
Whereas, on July 16, 1987, Congress met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to honor the bicentennial of the Constitution
and commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional Convention
;
Whereas, on September 6, 2002, Congress met at Federal Hall in New York, New York, in remembrance of the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the courage and spirit of the City of New York
; and
Whereas, July 4, 2026, will serve as the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the founding of the United States: Now, therefore, be it