Morelle on Passage of Bill to Commemorate America's 250th Birthday with Time Capsule

WASHINGTON – Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, celebrated the passage of S. 3705, the companion to H.R. 469, bipartisan legislation that would authorize the Architect of the Capitol to bury a time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“This year’s celebration of America’s anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of the American experiment. Our nation has faced countless tests to our strength and our unity, including a civil war, two world wars, natural disasters, and more. Yet, through each of these profound challenges, this country has endured and continued to strive toward the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle. “I particularly commend my colleague Congresswoman Watson Coleman for her leadership in advancing the bill. I look forward to seeing the items chosen for the time capsule.”

Once signed into law, the time capsule will be buried on July 4th, 2026, and ordered to be opened on our nation’s 500th anniversary – July 4, 2276. Click here to watch Rep. Morelle’s opening statement as he led the debate on S. 3705 – the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act.

###

The Committee on House Administration’s jurisdiction includes federal elections, House operations, Capitol Complex security, Smithsonian Institution, and Legislative Branch agencies such as the Library of Congress, and Government Publishing Office.