Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

This bill creates a congressional time capsule to mark America’s 250th birthday. The Architect of the Capitol must build it and bury it on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol by July 4, 2026. It will stay sealed until July 4, 2276. Congressional leaders will choose what goes inside, including items about the 250th anniversary, key moments from Congress, and a message to a future Congress. A plaque will explain the capsule to visitors. The burial should be timed so people can also attend a related time‑capsule event in Philadelphia the same day .

Key points

• Who is involved: Architect of the Capitol handles the capsule and burial; congressional leaders decide the contents.
• What’s inside: materials about the 250th anniversary, important congressional milestones, a message to the future, and other items leaders choose.
• Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, with a plaque for the public.
• When: bury by July 4, 2026; open on July 4, 2276; scheduled so attendees can also go to a Philadelphia time‑capsule burial that day .