Rep. Watson Coleman Bill to Celebrate 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, out of 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 thrilled that my bipartisan legislation to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday with a time capsule has passed the House overwhelmingly,” 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. Congress does its best work when we don’t seek fame or renown, but rather work so that distant generations of Americans, for whom our names will be mere footnotes, will enjoy the fruits of our work here today. I’m grateful for the partnership of my House colleagues and to 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.”
“I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, for leading and introducing this measure and thank the Semiquincentennial Commission for its leadership in planning,” said House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25). “As we navigate a time of deep division, partisanship, and growing threats to the values that sustain our democracy – the 250th anniversary serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the values of liberty and equality championed by our Founding Fathers.”
"The passage of the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act ensures that future generations will have a tangible connection to our nation's history," said Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04). "This time capsule will serve as a testament to the values, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped America, reminding those who open it 250 years from now that the spirit of our great nation endures."
“While we have often fallen short of the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence that was signed in Philadelphia, the upcoming commemoration of our nation’s 250th year of existence reminds us of our shared responsibility to work towards a more perfect union,” Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03) said. “I’m happy 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 celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s fitting to create a time capsule to be opened 250 years from now – for America’s 500th 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.