America250PA Legislative Session

Pennsylvania House to Hold Historic Session at Congress Hall on September 9

Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) announced that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will convene at Philadelphia's Congress Hall on September 9 for a historic session commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary. The public can watch the session live on PCN; additional viewing details will be announced closer to the event.

Congress Hall served as the seat of the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800. During that decade, the country admitted three new states, ratified the Bill of Rights, and witnessed George Washington (second term) and John Adams take the oath of office within its walls. The Congress convening there also established the First Bank of the United States, the Federal Mint, and the United States Department of the Navy. Restored in 1934 to its 1796 appearance, Congress Hall is conjoined with and adjacent to Independence Hall.

During the session, the 203-member body will vote on two resolutions celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence and the Pennsylvania Constitution, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution nearly a decade later.

“From the colonial era through our work today, Pennsylvania’s legislators have helped steer the course of our state and nation,” McClinton said. “September’s historic meeting will celebrate the state House’s central role in the country’s founding and honor the enduring importance of representative government.”

The state House is also partnering with America250PA to offer a civic education program for more than 80 students from across Pennsylvania.

"This legislative session, coupled with America250PA's student initiative, is a historic opportunity to reflect on our remarkable history, with an eye toward creating a stronger future for everyone," McClinton added.

Due to space constraints in the historic building, lawmakers will meet in two groups at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to tune in via PCN for full coverage.