WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today introduced a bill authorizing the Architect of the Capitol to bury a time capsule on the Capitol’s west lawn as part of the planned semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, which will be 250 years since our nation’s founding. The capsule would remain sealed until the United States’ 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.
“History teaches us invaluable lessons. It’s our responsibility to learn from the people and events that came before us, and to preserve those accounts for future generations,” Grassley said. “Burying a time capsule on the anniversary of the day the Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence would honor their mark on our nation and serve as a way to document the milestones still to come.”
“As we reflect on the democratic ideals our nation was built upon ahead of its 250th anniversary celebration, it’s important we consider the impact our present-day actions have on shaping our American democracy and society in the future,” Shaheen said. “I’m honored to help introduce this legislation, which will preserve the rich culture and ideas of this historical moment in the United States for generations to come.”
The offices of the House Speaker and Minority Leader, as well as the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, would determine the contents of the time capsule. They could be items representing important legislation or institutional milestones, a message from the current Congress to the future Congress, or other memorabilia reflective of history when the capsule is buried in 2026.
Additional cosponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) is leading the House companion bill.
Grassley has an avid interest in learning about and sharing history. Follow along on X (formerly Twitter) using #RealHistoryChannel.
Text of the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule Act is available HERE.
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