Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026.

[119th Congress Public Law 46] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page 139 STAT. 694]] Public Law 119-46 119th Congress Joint Resolution Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one- time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026. <<NOTE: Dec. 2, 2025 - [H.J. Res. 133]>> Whereas the Second Continental Congress unanimously agreed to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in which the Second Continental Congress declared a complete break with Britain and the king and claimed the powers of an independent country; Whereas the founding of the United States represented a historic world event that has improved the lives of the people of the United States and the people of other nations in profound ways for centuries; Whereas the ideas of the founding fathers, including representative government, guaranteed rights, and national sovereignty, inspire all people of the United States to this day; Whereas, on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the independence and founding of the United States will be commemorated and celebrated; Whereas Congress enacted the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 (36 U.S.C. note prec. 101; Public Law 114-196) to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the history of the United States leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States; Whereas the United States Semiquincentennial Commission has planned, coordinated, and inspired celebrations of the 250th anniversary across the United States to mark the occasion; Whereas New Year's Eve in 2025 marks the boundary between the 249th and 250th year of the United States, will bring the people of the United States together, and will be a fitting date to initiate celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States in earnest; Whereas Congress explored lighting the Washing