Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3705
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-79
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-18: Became Public Law No: 119-79.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T19:10:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act aims to create a time capsule in Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the United States in 2026. It preserves items representing the 119th Congress for opening in 2276, symbolizing continuity and reflection on American history.
Key Provisions
- Creation and Oversight: The Architect of the Capitol (the official responsible for maintaining the U.S. Capitol building) must create the time capsule, named the "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule."
- Contents:
- Determined jointly by the offices of the Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.
- Must include a single joint letter from these offices.
- May include other appropriate items, limited to durable materials like metal or archival paper (to minimize degradation); no high-risk organic or inorganic materials.
- Capsule size is capped at 50 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 48 inches high.
- These offices may consult the Architect of the Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution (a major U.S. museum and research organization), and other federal entities.
- Preparation and Burial: The Architect must seal and bury the capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026, at a location they select (with approval from the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration). The timing allows coordination with a similar time capsule burial in Philadelphia's Independence Mall under existing law.
- Marker: The Architect must install a plaque with information about the capsule, approved by the same congressional committees.
- Unsealing: The capsule remains sealed until July 4, 2276, when the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader present it to the 244th Congress, which will decide how to preserve or use the contents.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces new requirements without amending prior laws. It builds on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 (which established a commission for the 250th anniversary celebrations) by adding a congressional-specific commemorative element, but it does not alter existing statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Minor operational effects on the Architect of the Capitol (involving preparation, burial, and plaque installation) and congressional leadership (content selection). No ongoing costs or burdens are specified.
- Citizens: Symbolic and educational value; the public may view the burial event in 2026 and learn about it via the plaque, fostering national pride and historical awareness for future generations in 2276.
- International Relations: None directly; this is a domestic commemorative project with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congressional Leadership: Offices of the Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader, who select contents and oversee the joint letter.
- Architect of the Capitol: Responsible for creating, burying, and marking the capsule.
- Congressional Committees: Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and House Committee on House Administration, which approve the burial location and plaque.
- Future Congress (244th): Will receive and decide the fate of the capsule in 2276.
- Public and Institutions: Indirectly, the Smithsonian Institution (for consultation) and the general public (as beneficiaries of the historical preservation).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward implementation with no enforcement mechanisms or penalties; relies on internal congressional approvals, ensuring compliance with federal property management rules for the Capitol.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to manage its proceedings and commemorate national events; no conflicts with separation of powers.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan collaboration through joint leadership decisions, serving as a non-partisan gesture of unity. It has low controversy potential, focusing on long-term symbolism rather than current policy debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-18: Became Public Law No: 119-79.
- 2026-02-18: Became Public Law No: 119-79.
- 2026-02-18: Signed by President.
- 2026-02-18: Signed by President.
- 2026-02-12: Presented to President.
- 2026-02-12: Presented to President.
- 2026-02-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-02-09: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)
- 2026-02-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)
- 2026-02-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3705.
- 2026-02-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2046-2048)
- 2026-02-09: Mrs. Bice moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2026-02-02: Held at the desk.
- 2026-02-02: Received in the House.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S298; text: CR S298)
Bill Versions
- Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (4 pages)
- Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (2 pages)
- Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (6 pages)