Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6243
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-19T14:32:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to create a congressional time capsule to commemorate the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the United States, marking the nation's founding. It establishes a symbolic repository of items to be sealed and preserved for future generations, highlighting congressional involvement in the national milestone.
Key Provisions
- Creation and Oversight: The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for building and preparing the "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule," a physical container no larger than 50 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 48 inches high.
- Contents Determination: The offices of the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, will jointly select the items. Required inclusions are:
- A single joint letter from these offices.
- Coins minted by the Secretary of the Treasury to honor the 250th anniversary.
- Other items deemed appropriate, limited to durable, low-degradation materials like metal or archival paper (no high-risk organic or inorganic materials).
- Consultation Process: These leadership offices may seek advice from the Architect of the Capitol, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and other federal entities.
- Preparation and Burial: The Architect must seal the capsule and bury it in the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026, at a location approved by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration. The timing allows coordination with a related time capsule burial in Philadelphia's Independence Mall. A plaque with information about the capsule must also be installed, subject to committee approval.
- Unsealing: The capsule remains sealed until July 4, 2276 (the 300th anniversary), when the Speaker of the House presents it to the 244th Congress, which will decide on preservation or use of the contents.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces entirely new provisions, as no prior federal law specifically mandates a congressional time capsule for the semiquincentennial. It builds on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 by coordinating with related commemorative events but does not amend existing statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Involves minor administrative duties for the Architect of the Capitol (preparation and burial), the Treasury Department (minting coins), and Smithsonian Institution (optional consultation). Costs are likely low and symbolic, with no ongoing funding specified.
- Citizens: Offers a cultural and educational symbol of national history, potentially fostering public engagement during 2026 celebrations through events like the burial ceremony. No direct effects on daily life or rights.
- International Relations: None apparent; the bill is purely domestic and commemorative.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congressional Leadership: House Speaker, Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Minority Leader, who determine contents.
- Architect of the Capitol: Leads creation, preparation, burial, and plaque installation.
- Congressional Committees: House Committee on House Administration and Senate Committee on Rules and Administration approve burial location and plaque details.
- Federal Entities: U.S. Treasury (for coins) and Smithsonian Institution (for consultation).
- Public and Future Generations: Indirectly affected as symbols of national heritage, with the 244th Congress deciding future handling.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes clear procedural roles without creating enforceable rights or obligations beyond federal duties; complies with existing authorities for the Architect and committees.
- Constitutional: No conflicts, as it involves routine congressional commemoration under Congress's implied powers for internal affairs and historical preservation.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan unity through joint leadership decisions and cross-party sponsorship (introduced by members from both parties). Serves as a non-controversial gesture for the 250th anniversary, potentially enhancing public perception of Congress's role in national milestones without partisan implications.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (4 pages)