House of Representatives Passes Salazar’s America 250th Birthday Congressional Time Capsule Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6394, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act. Introduced by Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), the bill authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule and have it buried on the west lawn of the Capitol, to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, the nation’s 500th Anniversary. 

Congresswoman Salazar is leading this legislation as co-chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus, a forum for lawmakers to participate in and promote America’s 250th anniversary on Capitol Hill. The Caucus is related to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by an Act of Congress in 2016 to orchestrate this milestone and reach Americans everywhere by the 250th anniversary celebration on July 4, 2026.

“Since 1776, the American experiment has been a beacon of hope to the entire world,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “As America is about to celebrate its 250th birthday, it’s fitting to create a time capsule to be opened 250 years from now – for America’s 500th birthday, with contents that will showcase American exceptionality to future Americans. I’m proud to lead this legislation with my colleagues and urge the Senate to quickly pass it.”

“I am so pleased the House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan legislation to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday with a time capsule,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. “This time capsule will memorialize our moment in American history, and give future generations a chance to glimpse our nation as it was. I’m grateful for the partnership of my colleagues in the House, and on the America250 Commission under the capable leadership of Rosie Rios. It’s a privilege to work with all of you as we plan a nationwide celebration of America's 250th birthday.”

BACKGROUND:

The contents of the time capsule will be determined by the offices of the Speaker of the House, the Office of the Minority Leader of the House, and the Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate. They will include items that represent important legislation or institutional milestones of Congress, a message from the Congress to the future Congress, and other items that reflect our history at the time of its burial in 2026.  

A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. It is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and Mike Rounds of South Dakota.

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