Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6394. This bipartisan legislation, as my colleague has 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 note parenthetically, one of my favorite lines in the musical Hamilton says: ``Legacy. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.'' I think this qualifies for that. I suspect I won't be here at the opening of the time capsule.

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 of our shared responsibility to uphold the values of liberty and equality championed by our Founding Fathers.

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

I also acknowledge the service of my fellow New Yorker, former Representative Joe Crowley, who has lent his time and efforts to the work of the commission.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing the items chosen for the time capsule and recommend my colleagues' support for this measure.

I thank my friend and colleague for putting the bill before to the House and for his leadership in this regard.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, was an essential milestone in the progress of all humanity toward a more fair, just, and democratic society, work that continues to this day.

As we reflect on the last 250 years of progress toward those ideals, we must impart the lessons that we have learned to future generations. As cofounder and co-chair of the Congressional America250 Caucus along with my co-chairs, Mr. Evans, Mr. Aderholt, and Ms. Salazar, it is an honor to see this legislation come forward today as just one small part of our Nation's 250th anniversary celebration.

This bill, as you know, authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to create the time capsule and have it buried on the west lawn to remain sealed until July 2276, the Nation's 500th anniversary.

The contents will include items that represent important legislation and institutional milestones of Congress, a message from the 119th Congress to the 244th Congress, and other items that reflect our history.

No one here today will see it, as has been said, but to be redundant, an old Greek proverb goes: ``A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.''

This body does its best work when we don't seek fame or followers, renown or retweets, but rather when we work so that distant generations of Americans for whom our names will be mere footnotes will enjoy the fruits of our work here today.

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage support from my colleagues for this bill.

I will use this moment, if I can, as these are likely the final bills of our committee for the 118th Congress, to certainly thank my friend, Mr. Steil, for his cooperation, his leadership, and his friendship during the last 2 years.

I thank all the members of the committee and certainly all the members of the staff on both sides of the aisle who worked diligently each and every day. I know there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes.

While we at times disagree, I think we work very well together in our interests collectively as to advance the work of this great institution and the support and service of the American people, and I thank the gentleman for that.

To all of my colleagues and those listening, I wish them the very happiest whatever their holiday tradition or faith tradition is. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and to everyone, I wish them a very, very healthy and happy New Year.

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