Lawmakers are already joking about burying their political opponents. But can we agree on what to save?
President Trump announces plans to build ‘Independence Arch’ to commemorate 250th anniversary of nation’s founding
President Trump reveals plans to build an “Independence Arch” near Arlington Cemetery to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026 (Scripps News)
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WASHINGTON – A lot will have changed in the United States by 2276. But at least one should survive from our time. It’s a time capsule buried deep beneath the U.S. Capitol.
Lawmakers are planning to fill a memorial box to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Senate passed a bill to create the capsule on January 27, and the House passed it on February 9, sending it to the president’s desk for his signature.
The bill provides for the capsule to be buried in the Capitol Visitor Center on July 4 of this year. However, there are some rules. Cannot exceed 50 inches wide, 32 inches deep, and 48 inches high. All items included must be made of materials that can be stored until the same date in 2276., It’s the 500th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Other than that, there aren’t many regulations about what goes inside.
Lawmakers told USA TODAY they have several proposals.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) joked, “I know some guys I’d love to have in this.”
After thinking for a few seconds, he said, “I think I’ll include Meatloaf’s greatest hits,” referring to Rockstar.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin proposed filling the halls of the Capitol with fist-sized balls of his autographs. The Oklahoma Republican has been walking around with a bouncy ball since middle school, which he says helps him relax.
However, rubber may be a no-no. According to the law, items inside the capsule must be made of “materials with a low risk of deterioration, such as metal or archival paper.” Ultimately, Congressional leadership will work together to decide on the contents of the capsule.
Lawmakers who introduced the bipartisan bill, dubbed the Half-Century Time Capsule Act, said the effort would serve as a reminder of America’s perseverance and democracy.
“None of us will be here when this capsule is opened, and that’s important,” Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) said in a statement. “Our responsibility is to the generations who will inherit the results of our choices. What we do every day in this chamber is history.”
The time capsule is just one of several bills Congress is considering as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, and the House of Representatives on February 9 sent a separate bill to the Senate to create a $2.50 commemorative coin, while also introducing a bill that would encourage research into the possibility of producing such coins for everyday use.
Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) said in a statement that the idea is a way to unite Americans around a shared history.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a rare moment of reflection and celebration, and Congress has a responsibility to celebrate this birthday in a way that brings people together.”
Zachary Schermele is a Congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can email us at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him at @ZachSchermele on X and @zachschermele.bsky.social on Bluesky..
