U.S. House of Representatives Committee on House Administration

02/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/09/2026 16:16

Subcommittee Chair Bice Delivers Floor Remarks on America 250 Time Capsule Legislation

WASHINGTON - Subcommittee on Modernization & Innovation Chair Bice (OK-05) led today's debate on S.3705, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act. The bill passed under suspension and is headed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Chair Bice's full floor remarks as prepared for delivery:

Madam Speaker,

Today, I urge my colleagues to support S.3705, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act.

This is the Senate companion to H.R. 6243, introduced by my colleagues Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Aderholt, Maria Salazar, and Dwight Evans.

This nonpartisan legislation would authorize the burial of a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center to mark the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence.

This time capsule is one way that Congress will participate in the nation's year-long celebration of liberty and independence.

Amidst our toughest challenges of the day, this legislation reminds us that we can all work together.

Under this bill, leaders from both parties will work alongside the Architect of the Capitol to compile the capsule's contents.

This will include a letter from Congressional Leadership, books, manuscripts, relics, memorabilia, and more.

I'm optimistic that the contents of this capsule will reflect what makes this country great, as well as the challenges we faced during this time.

The capsule will remain sealed until July 4, 2276, and the burial site will be marked by a plaque approved by the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Rules & Administration Committee.

I thank the Ranking Member, Mr. Morelle, for working with me on this effort.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back.

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