Directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule containing items chosen by Congressional leaders to be buried on the Capitol's West Lawn by July 4, 2026, and opened on July 4, 2276.
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Representative
NJ-12
The "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act" directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule containing items chosen by congressional leaders, including records of important events and a message to the future Congress. The time capsule will be sealed and buried on the West Lawn of the Capitol by July 4, 2026, with a plaque providing information about it. It is to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when it will be presented to the 244th Congress.
Congress Preps 250-Year Time Capsule: Slated for Burial by July 4, 2026, Opening in 2276
The "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act" greenlights a project to create a time capsule that captures this moment in history for future generations. This isn't your typical school project – this capsule is set to be sealed until July 4, 2276.
Laying Down the Legacy
This act directs the Architect of the Capitol to craft the time capsule. The contents? That's up to the top dogs in Congress: the Speaker of the House, Minority Leader of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader. They get to pick items reflecting the Semiquincentennial, major Congressional moments, and even craft a message to the folks in Congress 250 years from now. They can get advice from the Architect of the Capitol, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and other federal groups. (SEC. 2)
Real-World Rollout: Burying the Past, Preserving the Future
The Architect of the Capitol has until July 4, 2026, to get this capsule prepped, sealed, and buried on the West Lawn of the Capitol, complete with an informational plaque. (SEC. 2) Fast forward to July 4, 2276, and it's the Speaker of the House's job to present it to the 244th Congress. Imagine the scene: Congressional leaders in 2276 cracking open a message from 2026. What will they think of our debates, our decisions, our daily lives? Only time will tell.
Challenges in the Details
While the idea is straightforward, a few practical questions pop up. The biggest? Who decides what truly represents this era? Congressional leaders hold the power to shape this historical narrative. The bill does allow leaders to seek guidance, but the final say rests with them. Also, while there is no specific budget mentioned in the bill, keeping a project like this on track and within projected costs over two years is always something to watch.
This Time Capsule Act is more than just a symbolic gesture. It's a commitment to preserving a slice of our present for a future we can only imagine. It will be interesting to see what makes the cut.