Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

House Bill

H.R. 469

119th Congress

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 21, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Kevin R. Hern

Representative

Republican

OK-1

Cosponsors

26

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Congress

Summary

This bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The capsule will be buried on the Capitol west lawn by July 4, 2026 and sealed until July 4, 2276.

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The capsule will be buried on the Capitol west lawn by July 4, 2026 and sealed until July 4, 2276.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule ActThis bill requires the Architect of the Capitol to create a congressional time capsule in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to be buried on the west lawn of the Capitol on or before July 4, 2026. Congressional leadership will determine the contents of the time capsule, and the time capsule shall be sealed until July 4, 2276.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates congressional time capsule for America 250th
Buried on Capitol west lawn by July 4, 2026
Contents determined by congressional leadership
Sealed for 250 years until July 4, 2276
Commemorates semiquincentennial of independence

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Future Americans in 2276 would open a capsule containing items selected by todays congressional leaders. This creates a direct connection between the 250th and 500th anniversaries of American independence.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Congress

Related Subjects

Congressional leadership

Historical and cultural resources

U.S. Capitol

U.S. history

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

469, 119th Congress (2025). "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-469