Congress·Enacted·S. 3705

U.S. 250th Anniversary: Congressional Time Capsule

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

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Signed Into Law

This legislation has been enacted.

Legislative Progress

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Congress is creating a special time capsule to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The Architect of the Capitol will build the container, which will be about four feet wide and four feet high.
Leaders from both political parties in the House and Senate will work together to choose what goes inside. The contents must include a joint letter from these leaders and other items made of long-lasting materials like metal or special paper that will not rot or fall apart over time.
The capsule will be buried at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., by July 4, 2026. It is scheduled to stay underground for exactly 250 years, until it is opened by future leaders on July 4, 2276.

5 milestones13 actions

Feb 18, 2026

Signed by President.

Feb 12, 2026House

Presented to President.

Feb 9, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Feb 9, 2026House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)

Feb 9, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)

1 bill

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

Nov 21 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

Bill NumberS 3705

Congress119th Congress

ChamberSenate

Latest ActionSigned by President.

(3)

D: 2R: 1

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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