Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
The Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act would require the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule on the West Lawn of the Capitol by July 4, 2026, to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial. The contents would be chosen jointly by the leaders of both chambers (Speaker of the House, House and Senate leaders from both parties), and could include a representative sample of materials related to the Semiquincentennial, important congressional milestones, a message to a future Congress, and other appropriate items. The Architect could consult with the Smithsonian and other federal entities as it determines appropriate. The capsule would be sealed until July 4, 2276, when the Speaker would present it to the 244th Congress, which would decide how to preserve or use its contents. A commemorative plaque would also be installed. The act references a concurrent ceremony related to Independence Mall in Philadelphia but focuses on the Capitol burial.
Key Points
- 1Creation and burial of the time capsule: The Architect of the Capitol must prepare and bury the “Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule” on or before July 4, 2026, on the West Lawn of the Capitol, with an accompanying plaque.
- 2Contents: The leadership team in both parties and chambers must jointly determine what goes inside, including a representative portion of Semiquincentennial-related materials, copies of key legislative milestones, a message to a future Congress, and other items they deem appropriate. They may consult with the Architect, the Smithsonian, and other federal entities.
- 3Unsealing and future use: The capsule will remain sealed until July 4, 2276. At that time, the Speaker will present it to the 244th Congress, which will decide how to preserve or use its contents.
- 4Consultation and coordination: The Offices of the Speaker, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader may consult with the Architect of the Capitol, the Smithsonian, and other federal entities.
- 5Status and process: The bill has passed the House and is introduced in the Senate for consideration; sponsor is not specified in the text provided.