House Passes Two Watson Coleman Bills to Celebrate the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation led by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), intended to help America celebrate its Semiquincentennial. Congresswoman Watson Coleman is the co-chair and Co-founder of the America 250 Caucus, founded in 2020 to assist in the planning of congressional activities surrounding America's semiquincentennial commemoration in 2026. She also serves as a commissioner on the related United States Semiquincentennial Commission (America250).
The first bill, the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule Act, introduced by Congresswoman Watson Coleman and Congressman Rob Aderholt (AL-04), passed the House and now heads to the President for his signature. The bipartisan and bicameral legislation authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule in the Visitors Center of the Capitol building, where it will remain until America’s 500th birthday on July 4, 2276.
“As a co-founder and co-chair of the America250 Caucus, I’m proud to see this legislation move forward as a part of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Watson Coleman. “None of us will be here when this capsule is opened. That is the point. Our responsibility is to the generations who will inherit the consequences of our choices. What we do in this chamber every day is history. What we choose to speak up for, and speak out against, it defines us - and it will be the legacy we leave for every governing body that holds this space for years to come.”
“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, this legislation gives us a meaningful way to connect today’s generation with those who will inherit our nation’s story centuries from now,” said Aderholt. “I’m proud to support Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s thoughtful leadership on this effort to place a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center—an enduring symbol of our democracy, to be opened on America’s 500th birthday in 2276. This is a fitting tribute to our nation’s founding and a powerful reminder that the American experiment is worth preserving for future generations.”
The second bill, the Two Dollar and 50 Cent Coin for America’s 250th Act, would authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a collectible $2.50 commemorative coin and conduct a viability study for a potential circulating $2.50 coin for everyday use. It was introduced by Congressman Rob Aderholt and Congresswoman Watson Coleman. It now heads to the Senate, where a companion bill has been introduced by Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming.
“America’s 250th birthday is a rare moment for reflection and celebration, and Congress has a responsibility to help mark it in a way that brings people together,” said Aderholt. “I can think of no better way than for millions of Americans from all walks of life, having the same $2.50 coin celebrating our nation jingling in their pockets. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Watson Coleman’s leadership and her longstanding commitment to the America 250 effort, and I’m proud to work with her on a bipartisan basis to honor our nation’s history and the ideals that continue to define us.”
"In 1776, the Declaration of Independence put into writing a set of ideals that reshaped this nation and influenced the world,” said Watson Coleman. “The Two Dollar and 50 Cent Coin for America’s 250th Act continues a long tradition of commemorating our nation’s milestones through coinage. As a co-founder and co-chair of the America 250 Caucus, and a member of the America 250 Commission, I’m grateful for the partnership with Rep. Aderholt and my House colleagues on a bipartisan basis as we prepare the nationwide celebration of America's 250th birthday."