Statement on Signing the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Amendments Act of 2020

On December 30, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the "United States Semiquincentennial Commission Amendments Act of 2020." Alongside this, he issued a signing statement explaining his understanding of the law. The President stated that because the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, which is responsible for commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding in 2026, includes members of Congress and private citizens appointed by congressional leaders, it "may provide advice and recommendations, and may participate in ceremonial activities, but may not participate in matters involving the execution of the laws." This interpretation was based on the separation of powers and specific clauses of the Constitution.

This action directly affects the United States Semiquincentennial Commission by clarifying the President's view on the scope of its activities, particularly for its congressional and congressionally appointed members, limiting their involvement in executing laws. Signing statements allow presidents to express constitutional or policy objections to specific provisions of legislation they have just signed. The legal weight and constitutional propriety of these statements have been debated, with critics arguing they can act like an unconstitutional "line-item veto," while supporters believe presidents have a duty to identify constitutional concerns. Whether this specific statement is proper depends on if it announces an intent not to enforce parts of the law or merely records the President's views.

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