Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
Last recorded step: Became Law, Feb 18, 2026.
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule at the Capitol to be sealed until July 4, 2276.
What it does
This law directs the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a congressional time capsule within the Capitol Visitor Center to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The capsule contains a joint letter from congressional leadership along with other items they select, and it is required to remain sealed until July 4, 2276.
Who is affected
The bill directly affects the Architect of the Capitol, who is tasked with creating and burying the time capsule within the Capitol Visitor Center. Congressional leadership is also affected, as they are responsible for providing a joint letter and determining the additional contents of the capsule.
Key provisions
- Creation of a congressional time capsule. The Architect of the Capitol is directed to create a time capsule to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- Placement and burial requirements. The time capsule must be buried within the Capitol Visitor Center on or before July 4, 2026.
- Determination of contents. The capsule will contain a joint letter from congressional leadership and additional items as determined by those leaders.
- Designated opening date. The bill mandates that the time capsule remain sealed until July 4, 2276.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The bill requires the time capsule to be buried on or before July 4, 2026, and mandates that it remain sealed until July 4, 2276.
Relationship to existing law
Not applicable: Bill establishes wholly new authority with no reference to prior law
Stated purpose
The bill aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by establishing a congressional time capsule to be buried at the Capitol Visitor Center and remained sealed until July 4, 2276.