S. 3705 Became law · Public Law 119-79 Congress

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

A bill to provide for the creation of a congressional time capsule in commemoration of the semiquincentennial of the United States, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC] Introduced January 27, 2026 Cosponsors 3 (1 R, 2 D) Latest action February 18, 2026

Summary

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
This act requires the Architect of the Capitol to create a congressional time capsule in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to be buried in the Capitol Visitor Center on or before July 4, 2026.
The time capsule shall contain a joint letter from congressional leadership (the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate) and such other contents as they shall determine. 
The act directs the Architect of the Capitol to also install a plaque about the time capsule, subject to the approval of the Committee on House Administration of the House and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.
The time capsule shall be sealed until July 4, 2276. On that date, the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader shall present the time capsule to the 244th Congress. 

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Feb 18, 2026 Became Public Law No: 119-79.
  2. Feb 18, 2026 Signed by President.
  3. Feb 12, 2026 Presented to President.
  4. Feb 9, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. Feb 9, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)
  6. Feb 9, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3705.
  7. Feb 9, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2046-2048)
  8. Feb 9, 2026 Mrs. Bice moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  9. Feb 2, 2026 Held at the desk.
  10. Feb 2, 2026 Received in the House.
  11. Jan 27, 2026 Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S298; text: CR S298)
  12. Jan 27, 2026 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

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