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Congress·Enacted·S. 3705

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

U.S. 250th Anniversary: Congressional Time Capsule

Signed Into Law

This legislation has been enacted.

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • 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.

Impact Analysis

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Milestones

5 milestones13 actions
Feb 18, 2026

Signed by President.

The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.

Feb 12, 2026House

Presented to President.

Both chambers passed identical text. The President has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it.

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)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

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)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

Bill NumberS 3705
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionSigned by President.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)
D: 2R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.