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January 04, 2026 3 min read
As the United States approaches a historic milestone — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — national efforts to commemorate America 250 continue to gain momentum. A major development in this journey is the rapid growth of the Congressional America250 Caucus, which has now surpassed 200 members across both chambers of Congress.
America250 is the congressionally authorized, bipartisan organization responsible for coordinating the nationwide commemoration of the Semiquincentennial in 2026. The Congressional America250 Caucus brings together Senators and Representatives from both political parties to support and guide these efforts at the federal level.
With more than 200 lawmakers now formally participating, the Caucus has become one of the largest bipartisan and bicameral groups in Congress, highlighting a rare moment of unity around a shared national purpose.
Surpassing 200 members represents more than a symbolic milestone. It signals growing bipartisan commitment to ensuring that America 250 is inclusive, educational, and nationally impactful.
The Caucus is working toward an aspirational goal of reaching 250 members before July 2026, reinforcing the historical significance of the anniversary while demonstrating broad congressional support for the initiative.
The Congressional America250 Caucus is co-chaired by lawmakers who also serve as Commissioners on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, an independent federal body established by Congress.
Current co-chairs include:
Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Alex Padilla (D-CA)
Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)
This leadership structure ensures balanced representation from both chambers of Congress and both major political parties.
Unlike previous milestone anniversaries, America250 places strong emphasis on participation at the local and community level. The Congressional Caucus plays a vital role in connecting federal planning with state, tribal, territorial, and local initiatives.
This approach ensures that the spirit of America 250 reaches classrooms, town halls, museums, cultural institutions, and neighborhoods across the nation.
America250 has launched several initiatives focused on education, storytelling, and civic engagement.
The America’s Field Trip (2024–2025) contest invites students in grades 3 through 12 to share what America means to them through essays and creative projects. Selected students receive immersive educational experiences at historically significant sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, and the National Archives.
Our American Story is a nationwide oral history project designed to collect lived experiences from all 56 states and territories, creating a living archive that reflects the diversity of the American experience.
To broaden national participation, America250 named President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, along with President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama, as honorary co-chairs. Their bipartisan involvement underscores continuity across administrations and generations.
In addition, the America250 Ambassadors Circle includes historians, artists, business leaders, and former elected officials such as Gloria Estefan, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lance Bass, and Ed Rendell, helping amplify the initiative’s message nationwide.
America250 collaborates with respected nonpartisan organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, iCivics, the National Women’s History Museum, and the National Congress of American Indians. These partnerships help ensure historical accuracy, civic participation, and broad public access.
The initiative has also announced sponsorships from BNY and Walmart, supporting expanded programming and outreach as the nation moves closer to 2026.
As the Semiquincentennial approaches, Americans are increasingly seeking meaningful ways to commemorate 250 years of freedom and independence. From educational programs and community events to personal expressions of patriotism, America 250 offers countless opportunities for reflection and participation.
One way individuals and families are choosing to honor this milestone is through personalized patriotic products that celebrate heritage, pride, and remembrance.
To help commemorate this historic moment, GeckoCustom offers thoughtfully designed, customizable patriotic products inspired by America 250. These items allow individuals to transform national pride into something personal and lasting.
Explore theAmerica 250 collection at GeckoCustom and celebrate 250 years of American history in a way that reflects your own story.
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