Congress buries a time capsule for 2276—a 250-year message to the future
S. 3705 — Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act · Filed by Thom Tillis (R-NC) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Jan 27, 2026 · Signed
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What it does
This bill directs the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Congressional leadership (Speaker, Minority Leader of the House, and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders) will jointly decide what goes inside—a joint letter and other items made of durable materials—and the capsule will remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when Congress 250 years from now will decide what to do with it.
Why we flagged it
This is a straightforward commemorative measure creating a time capsule to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. It involves no regulatory change, no financial appropriation, and no substantive policy mechanism—only a symbolic artifact.
Who it affects
This is a commemorative measure with no direct cost to citizens or restriction of public rights. It creates a symbolic artifact for future generations and involves no financial outlay, regulatory change, or public burden.