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Congressional Daily Record
This section captures a floor statement or debate entry. It mentions members such as James Baird. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
Issued
July 2, 2026
house side of the record
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Extensions of Remarks
Material lawmakers submit for the official record even when it was not spoken live on the floor.
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. JAMES R. BAIRD
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record a letter that I provided for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, which will be opened by the American people 250 years from now in the year 2276, the 500th anniversary of our great Nation's founding:
To the American people in the year 2276,
This letter was written in 2026, upon the
semiquincentennial anniversary of our nation's founding. I,
Congressman James R. Baird, PhD, representing Indiana's
Fourth District, would like to offer this glimpse as you
enter the 500th year of these United States.
Today, Indiana is defined by its affordability, rich
agricultural heritage, and status as a manufacturing hub.
Indiana offers a balance of urban culture and expansive rural
landscapes. The people exhibit “Hoosier Hospitality.” The
term describes a welcoming and kind demeanor centered on
treating strangers like old friends.
As the U.S. enters its 500th year, I ask that you remember
America's founding principles. The Founding Fathers
envisioned a nation based on inalienable, God-given rights of
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Remember these principles. Freedom is never won nor
defended easily but is always worth protecting. America is
the greatest country ever created in human history. The words
of Indiana veteran and journalist, Elmer Davis ring true now,
as they will in 250 years: “This nation will remain the land
of the free, only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
We have traveled to the moon and back, fought for freedom
across oceans and continents, split the atom, and yet our
greatest achievement remains forming a government of the
people, by the people, and for the people. May God bless you
all, and God bless these United States of America.
As of the printing of this letter, Indiana makes up the
following statistics:
6,973,333 people, based on U.S. Census data. The median age
is 38. Average cost of a house in Indiana is $256,584
compared to the national average of $368,198.
in the U.S. with more than 540,000 workers across all
manufacturing industries. Indiana is also the largest steel-
producing state in the country, producing roughly 27% of all
U.S. steel.
the country. There are just over 94,000 farmers in the state.
We produce more popcorn, meat ducks, and gourds than any
state. Indiana is the fourth-largest corn producer and fifth-
largest soybean producer.
Indiana “The Mother of Vice Presidents.”
five minutes, nine seconds and 6471 milliseconds. This was
the closest margin of victory ever, 23.3 milliseconds.
was opened in Martinsville in 1899.
season, beating Ohio State 13-10 to win their first Big Ten
Championship Game. The Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes
27-21 to become the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National
Champions, completing the greatest turnaround in college
football history.
Purdue and her plane that mysteriously crash-landed over the
Pacific Ocean in 1937 was legally owned by Purdue and if
found must be returned to the University.
since they have had more NASA Astronauts come from Purdue
than any other public university.
in the United States are in Indiana.
numerous wins throughout their storied history, including 26
“Big Ten” regular season championships and 3 Big Ten
tournament championships, three NCAA Tournament Final Fours
and two NCAA championship games, and participation in three
“Final Four”, seven “Elite Eight”, and sixteen “Sweet
Sixteen” games.