S. 3705 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-79
Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
2 sections in the law.
Signed February 18, 2026 · Introduced January 27, 2026 in the Senate
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC) · 3 cosponsors (2 D, 1 R)
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Official title
To provide for the creation of a congressional time capsule in commemoration of the semiquincentennial of the United States, and for other purposes.
Official summary (Congressional Research Service) · as public law
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.
How it became law
- IntroducedJan 27
- Committee—
- HouseFeb 9
- Senate—
- SignedFeb 18
Key steps, cosponsors and text changes (11)
Sponsor
Original cosponsors
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
SenateIntroduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S298; text: CR S298)
SenateIntroduced in Senate
- Text: Considered and Passed Senate
2 sections
- Text: Engrossed in Senate
2 sections, no changes
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)
HousePresented to President.
- Text: Enrolled Bill
2 sections, no changes
Became Public Law No: 119-79.
Signed by President.
Show every recorded step (15)
Sponsor
Original cosponsors
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
SenateIntroduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S298; text: CR S298)
SenateIntroduced in Senate
- Text: Considered and Passed Senate
2 sections
- Text: Engrossed in Senate
2 sections, no changes
HouseReceived in the House.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3705.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2046-2048)
HouseMrs. Bice moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
HousePresented to President.
- Text: Enrolled Bill
2 sections, no changes
Became Public Law No: 119-79.
Signed by President.
Source: GovInfo bill status and text versions. 3 cosponsors.
Every section
All 2 sections, in order
From the enrolled bill text on GovInfo. Read any section in full on Congress.gov.
- Sec. 1Short Title
- Sec. 2Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule
Sponsor and cosponsors
Show all 4 members, by last name
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC)
- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA)
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
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Sources: bill text and status, GovInfo (Enrolled Bill) · Official summary, Congressional Research Service · Congress.gov, as of November 1, 2026. US government works are in the public domain · This bill on Congress.gov (opens in new tab)