State House gathers in Philly for historic America250 session
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The Pennsylvania House of Representatives returned to the birthplace of the nation's early government Wednesday evening, gathering at Philadelphia's Congress Hall for a historic legislative session commemorating the United States' 250th anniversary.
The session marked the House's return from its summer break and its first gathering outside Harrisburg in nearly 40 years.
Pennsylvania's House of Representatives is among the oldest continuously operating legislative bodies in the nation, tracing its history to 1682, when the colonial Assembly first met under William Penn.
Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, presided over the session, which brought lawmakers to the same Philadelphia district where the nation's early government once convened.
"Today we put aside the labels that traditionally define our institution. Today, rather than Republicans and Democrats, we stand united as Pennsylvanians as we celebrate our Commonwealth's transformative role in the creation of the United States of America," McClinton said. "Looking back 250 years, it may be tempting to believe that what happened in these hallowed halls was inevitable -- that liberty was destined to triumph. But for 250 years, Americans have continued to sacrifice to attain liberty, opportunity and freedom."
Because Congress Hall is considerably smaller than the House chamber in Harrisburg, the full membership could not be accommodated at once. Lawmakers instead participated in two smaller sessions to allow the House to conduct its business while commemorating the nation's semiquincentennial.
During the first session, legislators unanimously passed House Resolution 589, sponsored by McClinton, which celebrates "the momentous and significant occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial," according to the resolution.
Several lawmakers spoke in support of the measure, emphasizing that the American experiment -- the idea that individuals can self-govern through a constitutional democracy -- requires continued participation and effort.
"We must ensure in our lifetime that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are promises kept to every single Pennsylvanian and every American," said Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia.
The session also offered lawmakers an opportunity to highlight bipartisan cooperation and the value of finding common ground despite political differences.
"We're gathered here in Philadelphia on the same tract of land where 250 years ago our founding fathers signed an incredibly important document. They debated and disagreed, often bitterly, but ultimately came together for the good of their newborn country. We should all take note in the way that they ultimately reached consensus," Rep. Thomas Mehaffie, R-Dauphin, said. "Consensus is not the absence of a disagreement. It is the discipline to remain committed to a shared purpose."
During the second session, legislators unanimously passed House Resolution 590, also sponsored by McClinton, which, similar to HR 589, celebrates "the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Constitution of Pennsylvania," according to the resolution.
Lawmakers reflected on the state Constitution as a living document and the ability of Pennsylvanians to amend it as the needs of the Commonwealth continue to change.
"Democracy's promise is not that we were perfect 250 years ago. We were not. Its promise is that each generation has the power and the responsibility to widen the circle to bring more voices to the table," said Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. "Pennsylvania's story is still being written and all of us in this room are holding the pen."
In addition to legislative business, the House partnered with America250PA, a 2018 initiative established by former Gov. Tom Wolf to coordinate Pennsylvania's commemoration of the United States' 250th anniversary and highlight the state's role in the nation's founding.
The partnership also included a civic education program for more than 80 students from across the state, aimed at encouraging civic engagement and participation among the next generation.
"America's 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past," said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA. "It's about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come."