Subcommittee on Modernization & Innovation Chair Stephanie Bice (OK-05) led the debate in the House of Representatives on S.3705, known as the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act. The bill, which has passed under suspension, will now go to the President for signature.
S.3705 is a Senate companion to H.R. 6243 and was introduced by Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Aderholt, Maria Salazar, and Dwight Evans. The legislation authorizes burying a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center to mark 250 years since U.S. independence.
Chair Bice stated:
"Today, I urge my colleagues to support S.3705, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act.
This is the Senate companion to H.R. 6243, introduced by my colleagues Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Aderholt, Maria Salazar, and Dwight Evans.
This nonpartisan legislation would authorize the burial of a time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center to mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
This time capsule is one way that Congress will participate in the nation’s year-long celebration of liberty and independence.
Amidst our toughest challenges of the day, this legislation reminds us that we can all work together.
Under this bill, leaders from both parties will work alongside the Architect of the Capitol to compile the capsule’s contents.
This will include a letter from Congressional Leadership, books, manuscripts, relics, memorabilia, and more.
I’m optimistic that the contents of this capsule will reflect what makes this country great, as well as the challenges we faced during this time.
The capsule will remain sealed until July 4, 2276, and the burial site will be marked by a plaque approved by the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Rules & Administration Committee.
I thank the Ranking Member, Mr. Morelle, for working with me on this effort.
I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back."
The House Administration Committee oversees House operations including federal elections and Capitol security according to its official website. It also participates in joint committees on Library and Printing matters within Congress [source]. The committee played an important role in passing significant election reforms such as allocating over $3 billion for improvements through acts like Help America Vote Act in 2002 [source].
