S 3705 · Signed into Law · 02-18-26
Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act
What does the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act do?
S 3705 is a Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC). Directs the Architect of the Capitol to build a congressional time capsule marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The capsule is to be sealed and buried in the Capitol Visitor Center, then opened on July 4, 2276.
Did S 3705 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, S 3705 has been signed into law on February 18, 2026.
Status: Signed into Law
Latest vote: House Passed by voice vote on February 9, 2026
Outlook: Enacted
Enacted: Signed into law on February 18, 2026
Key provisions
- Congressional Time Capsule
- Architect of the Capitol builds the capsule
- Capsule limited to 50 in. wide, 32 in. deep, 48 in. high
- Sealed and buried in the Capitol Visitor Center
- Contents and Materials
- Congressional leadership offices jointly choose contents
- Must include one joint letter from those offices
- Items must use low-degradation materials such as metal or archival paper
- Sealing and Unsealing
- Prepared and buried on or before July 4, 2026
- Sealed until July 4, 2276
- Presented to the 244th Congress on unsealing
Last updated June 30, 2026