Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
This bill directs congressional leaders to create and bury a time capsule on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The capsule will hold anniversary memorabilia, records of major congressional milestones, and a message from current lawmakers to future generations. It will be sealed under a commemorative plaque by July 4, 2026, and remain unopened for 250 years until July 4, 2276.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Future Congress (the 244th Congress in 2276)Receives the time capsule on July 4, 2276, including a message and historical records from the 119th/current era, with the authority to decide how its contents will be preserved or used.
Who it burdens
- Architect of the CapitolDirects the Architect of the Capitol to create, seal, and bury the time capsule on the Capitol West Lawn by July 4, 2026, and install an informational plaque.
- Congressional leadership officesRequires the bipartisan leadership offices of the House and Senate to jointly select and determine the contents of the time capsule.
The provisions, in plain language.
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a congressional time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Directs bipartisan House and Senate leaders to jointly select items to place in the capsule, including 250th anniversary memorabilia, major congressional milestones, and a message to the future Congress.
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to bury the time capsule on the Capitol's West Lawn on or before July 4, 2026, and install an informational plaque.
Requires the time capsule to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when it will be unsealed and presented to Congress to decide how to display or preserve its contents.