H.R.469 - Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.469, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The time capsule will be buried on the West Lawn of the Capitol by July 4, 2026, and is to be opened on July 4, 2276.
The contents, determined by congressional leadership, will include materials related to the Semiquincentennial, milestones of Congress, and a message to the future Congress. The Act specifies consultation with the Architect of the Capitol and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
This act aims to preserve a snapshot of this historical moment for future generations, fostering a connection between the past, present, and future of the United States.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be the creation and burial of a time capsule containing items selected by congressional leaders. This time capsule will serve as a historical record for people in the future.
It will also involve the Architect of the Capitol in preparing the capsule and the West Lawn for the event. The unsealing of the time capsule in 2276 will prompt a reflection on the contents and their significance by the 244th Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of History: Ensures important documents and artifacts from the Semiquincentennial are preserved for future generations.
- Symbolic Gesture: Provides a symbolic connection between the present and future, fostering a sense of national identity and continuity.
- Educational Opportunity: Offers a unique educational opportunity for future generations to learn about the United States in 2026.
- Commemoration: Formally commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
- Potential Tourism: The plaque marking the time capsule's location could become a minor tourist attraction.
Potential Disadvantages
- Cost: The creation, preparation, and burial of the time capsule will incur some costs, although likely minimal.
- Limited Scope: The contents, determined by a few individuals, may not fully represent the diversity of American society.
- Irrelevance: Future generations may not find the contents relevant or interesting.
- Security: The time capsule's location will need to be secured to prevent tampering or theft.
- Bureaucracy: The process involves multiple government entities, potentially leading to bureaucratic delays.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the Constitution as it falls under the implied powers of Congress to commemorate national events and manage federal property. Specifically, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to "make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."
The act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The selection of contents by congressional leadership does not violate any protected freedoms, and the act's purpose is secular and commemorative, not religious, thus avoiding any conflict with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Overall, the act is a permissible exercise of congressional authority within the bounds of the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).