Ranking Member Morelle Delivers Floor Speech on H.R. 6394

"Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of HR 6394, this bipartisan legislation, as my colleagues indicated, would authorize the Architect of the Capitol to bury a time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, to be opened on our nation's 500th anniversary in the year 2276. 

"I will just note parenthetically one of my favorite lines in the musical Hamilton says, 'Legacy. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden we don't get to see.' 

"I think this qualifies for that. I suspect I won't be here at the opening of the time capsule, but nonetheless, the items in the capsule will be determined by bipartisan, bicameral congressional leaders, and include written materials relating to the anniversary. Representations of notable legislative and institutional milestones and a message from this Congress to our future colleagues in the 244th Congress. 

"The upcoming anniversary marks a powerful testament to the resilience of the American experiment. Our nation has faced countless tests to our strength and unity, including a civil war, two world wars, natural disasters and more, yet through each challenge, this country has stood strong and remains committed to fulfilling the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence nearly 250 years ago. 

"As we face new challenges in a time of deep division, partisanship, and extremism, this anniversary serves as a reminder to our shared responsibility to uphold the values of liberty and equality championed by our founding fathers. 

"I want to extend my thanks to the Semiquincentennial Commission for its leadership in planning for this momentous occasion, and I particularly commend my colleague and friend, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, for her introduction of this measure. 

"I'd also like to acknowledge the service of my fellow New Yorker, former Representative Joe Crowley, who has lent his time and talents to the work of the Commission. 

"I look forward to seeing the items chosen for the time capsule, and recommend my colleagues support for this measure, and want to again thank my friend and colleague for putting the bill before the House and for his leadership in this regard. 

"With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time."

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