150 Members of the House and Senate Work Together to Advance Initiatives to Celebrate and Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Washington, D.C.— Today, America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with organizing and coordinating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, announced the Congressional America250 Caucus has reached a new milestone: 150 members, which is one of the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucuses in Congress. The Caucus continues to grow, with the goal of becoming the largest caucus on Capitol Hill ahead of the Semiquincentennial in July 2026.
“The America250 Caucus is a great example of Congress coming together to honor our nation’s rich history and the democratic values that define us,” said America250 Chair, Rosie Rios. “As we approach the Semiquincentennial, members of the Caucus will help lead the way in inspiring Americans to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and to a future of shared ideals and aspirations.”
Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Lisa Murkowski, Jeanne Shaheen, and Representatives Robert Aderholt, Dwight Evans, Maria Elvira Salazar, and Bonnie Watson Coleman serve as the elected Commissioners on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and serve as Caucus co-chairs. Congressional leadership in both chambers appointed each Commissioner.
The Congressional America250 Caucus was established with the goal of supporting the United States Semiquincentennial Commission’s efforts to plan and execute the most inclusive and comprehensive commemoration in our country’s history. The announcement comes as America250 continues to roll out tentpole programs and partnerships in the lead-up to the Semiquincentennial. In the past year, America250 has:
- Launched America’s Invitation, a national public engagement effort inviting all Americans to share their stories, reflections on the past, and hopes and dreams for the future.
- Announced America’s Field Trip, a nationwide scholastic contest for school-aged students, with awardees receiving behind-the-scenes experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites.
- Partnered with local leaders and organizations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the first of many locally-driven, grassroots events that America250 will support in partnership with states and territories across the country.
Several other national initiatives will be executed leading up to and during 2026.
America's Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.