Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

This section mandates the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule, officially named the "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule," as a commemorative artifact for the nation's 250th anniversary. It establishes the physical existence of the capsule and assigns the responsibility for its creation.

This provision outlines that the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, will jointly decide what goes into the time capsule. It specifies that a single, joint letter from these offices must be included, along with any other items they deem appropriate, provided these items are made of low-degrading materials like metal or archival paper, and not high-degrading organic or inorganic materials.

The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for preparing the time capsule to be sealed and buried in the Capitol Visitor Center by July 4, 2026, with the approval of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the House Administration Committee. A plaque will be installed to provide information about the capsule. The time capsule is to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, at which point the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate will present it to the 244th Congress, which will then determine how its contents should be preserved or used.