Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has been appointed to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission by America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In her role, Capito will assist the commission and America250 in orchestrating the largest commemoration and celebration in American history. As a commissioner, she will also help to ensure partnerships with efforts across the nation, such as the events and programs organized by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History.
“I am honored to join the United States Semiquincentennial Commission,” she said in a release announcing the appointment. “As an educator and public servant, I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my life to teaching Americans about our founding, firmly believing that understanding where we come from is crucial to how we chart the course for our future. This appointment offers an opportunity to partner with organizations at the state and local level to include the efforts being planned in West Virginia, and work to celebrate our country.”
The commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The commission comprises 16 private citizens, four U.S. Representatives, four U.S. Senators, and 12 ex-officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies, all of whom were appointed by House and Senate leadership of both parties.
Last July, America250 launched America’s Invitation, a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories, hopes, and dreams for the future of this country.