Bills · HR 6243
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6243Historical and cultural resourcesU.S. Capitol
Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
INTRO NOV 20· LAST ACTION NOV 21
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
11BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it establishes a tangible link between the present and future generations, commemorating a significant milestone in U.S. history – the 250th anniversary of its founding. If passed, it ensures that a curated snapshot of Congress's perspective and the nation's state will be preserved for 250 years, offering invaluable historical insight to the 244th Congress in 2276. It provides an opportunity for current leaders to reflect on their time and convey a message to the distant future.
Without this bill, there wouldn't be a formal, official congressional time capsule specifically for the semiquincentennial, potentially missing a unique opportunity to document this period from a legislative perspective. It reinforces the tradition of marking significant national anniversaries with historical artifacts, allowing future citizens to connect with their predecessors and understand how the nation has evolved.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to create the "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule."
This establishes the official creation of a specific time capsule to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that congressional leadership from both parties in the House and Senate jointly determine the contents, which must include a joint letter and special anniversary coins.
This ensures bipartisan representation in the capsule's message and includes specific items to anchor its historical significance.
PROVISION 03
Specifies that the time capsule must be sealed and buried in the Capitol Visitor Center on or before July 4th, 2026.
This sets a clear deadline and location for the capsule's interment, tying it directly to the 250th anniversary.
PROVISION 04
Stipulates that the time capsule will remain sealed until July 4th, 2276, and will then be presented to the 244th Congress.
This defines the exact duration the capsule will remain sealed and identifies the future body responsible for its unsealing and disposition.
PROVISION 05
Requires all contents to be made of low-degrading materials (e.g., metal, archival paper) and prohibits high-risk degrading materials.
This ensures the longevity and preservation of the capsule's contents for future generations.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 11
D· New Jersey
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
53
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 73%
DEM 4 REP 7 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSNOV 21
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
NOV 20
Introduced in House
NOV 20
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6243
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedNov 20, 2025
Last actionNov 21, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED NOV 20, 2025
House BillHR 6243Historical and cultural resourcesU.S. Capitol
Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
INTRODUCED NOV 20, 2025· LAST ACTION NOV 21, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
11
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
