Rep. Watson Coleman Bill to Commemorate America’s 250th Birthday with Time Capsule Passes House

Rep. Watson Coleman Bill to Commemorate America's 250th Birthday with Time Capsule Passes House

Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) celebrated the passage of her bill, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, through the House of Representatives.

The bipartisan legislation authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule on the west lawn of the Capitol, where it will remain until America's 500th birthday on July 4, 2276.

"I am so pleased the House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan legislation to commemorate America's 250th Birthday with a time capsule," said Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12). "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."

"With today's passing of the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, we get to tell the story of America to those who will open this capsule in the future," said Rep. Rob Aderholt (AL-04). "There is no better way to inspire the American people 250 years from now than to remind them that America is, and has always been, worth fighting for."

"Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, America's shining beacon of hope and democracy has continued to guide our nation toward a better future for all," said Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03). "While we have often fallen short of the ideals outlined in the Declaration, the upcoming commemoration of our nation's 250th year of existence reminds us of our shared responsibility to work towards a more perfect union. I am immensely proud to co-sponsor the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act not only as a Philadelphian but also as an American."

"Since 1776, the American experiment has been a beacon of hope to the entire world," said Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). "As America is about to celebrate its 250^th birthday, it's fitting to create a time capsule to be opened 250 years from now - for America's 500^th 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."

"This time capsule will help commemorate America's enduring spirit of democracy. It will celebrate our collective accomplishments and bridge our nation's past, present and future," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. "Congratulations to Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman for her dedicated leadership in championing this important legislation."

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 this Congress to the future Congress, and other items that reflect our history at the time of its burial in 2026.

The bill text can be found here.