Sponsors (12)
The bill formalizes a symbolic, bipartisan commemoration and long-term historical preservation of the semiquincentennial while imposing modest taxpayer costs and small demands on federal staff time.
Visitors and future generations will have a preserved historical record when a time capsule placed in the Capitol is opened in 2276.
Visitors and taxpayers will gain enhanced public engagement with the semiquincentennial through a public plaque and official placement in the Capitol Visitor Center.
The public and future Congresses will have an official, bipartisan commemorative record because the leadership must include commemorative coins and a joint letter documenting the semiquincentennial.
Taxpayers will incur small direct costs for materials, a plaque, coordination, and possible minting of commemorative coins tied to the project.
Federal employees (Congressional staff and the Architect's office) must spend time planning and preparing the capsule, diverting staff time from other duties.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Architect of the Capitol, with congressional leadership, to prepare and seal a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026, to be opened on July 4, 2276.
Introduced November 20, 2025 by Bonnie Watson Coleman · Last progress November 20, 2025
Creates a Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule to be prepared by the Architect of the Capitol and sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026. Contents are chosen jointly by House and Senate leadership, must include a joint letter and Treasury-minted commemorative coins, be made of low-risk materials, fit size limits, and remain sealed until July 4, 2276 when the capsule is presented to the 244th Congress for disposition.