STATEMENT FROM REP. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR ON THE DEDICATION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL AMERICA250 TIME CAPSULE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Congressional America250 Time Capsule was officially dedicated during a ceremony held in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol, marking a historic milestone in the nation's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Time Capsule, which will remain sealed until July 4, 2276, preserves a snapshot of America in 2026 through contributions from all 50 states and U.S. territories, allowing future generations to look back on the people, values, and aspirations that shaped the nation at its Semiquincentennial.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and a leader of the Congressional America250 Time Capsule initiative, released the following statement:

"Every generation inherits America from those who came before, and every generation has the responsibility to protect it, strengthen it, and leave it better than they found it," said Rep. Salazar. "That is what makes this time capsule so special. It is a gift to the future and a reflection of who we are as a people. As the daughter of Cuban exiles who lost everything to tyranny and found freedom and opportunity in the United States, I have always understood that America's greatest strength is not its wealth or its power, but the hope it gives ordinary people. My hope is that 250 years from now, when this capsule is opened, future generations will see a nation that stayed true to that promise, a country that remained a beacon of freedom and opportunity and never stopped striving to become even better."

Since her appointment to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2021, Rep. Salazar has helped lead Congress's efforts to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.

She co-led the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, the legislation that established the Congressional America250 Time Capsule initiative and laid the groundwork for today's dedication ceremony.

Earlier this month, both the House and Senate approved H.Con.Res. 109, a bipartisan resolution introduced by Rep. Salazar alongside Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), and Dwight Evans (D-PA), authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for today's historic event.

The Congressional America250 Time Capsule contains contributions from all 50 states and U.S. territories and will remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when Americans commemorate the nation's 500th anniversary.

Beyond the Time Capsule initiative, Rep. Salazar has helped advance several efforts marking America's 250th anniversary, including the $2.50 for America's 250th Act, legislation to authorize commemorative coins honoring the nation's founding, and a congressional resolution she co-led authorizing special America250 light displays on the Washington Monument to help launch the Semiquincentennial year.

Earlier this year, Rep. Salazar also helped facilitate an official America250 Commission meeting at Miami's historic Freedom Tower, highlighting South Florida's role in the national celebration and helping ensure communities across the country are represented as America prepares to mark this historic milestone.

Congresswoman Salazar's Legislative Accomplishments

Rep. María Elvira Salazar has built a record of advancing bipartisan legislation and congressional initiatives on behalf of South Florida and the nation. To date, she has authored 12 bills signed into law.


Key legislative accomplishments authored or sponsored by Rep. Salazar include:

• H.Con.Res. 109 - Bipartisan resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for the dedication of the Congressional America250 Time Capsule. Approved by the House and Senate: June 2026.
• The Western Hemisphere and State Department Political Affairs Authorization Act - Codifies key positions at the State Department and establishes units to counter Chinese Communist Party influence in Latin America. Signed into law: December 2025.
• The TAKE IT DOWN Act - Protects children from online digital threats and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. Signed into law: May 2025.
• The DISPOSE Act - Destroys fentanyl precursor chemicals to save American lives. Signed into law: December 2024.
• The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act - Honors 60 diplomats who risked their lives during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. Signed into law: December 2024.
• The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act - Protects migratory birds and critical habitat, including the Everglades. Signed into law: April 2024.
• The RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act - Recovers billions in fraudulent government loans and restores fiscal responsibility and accountability. Implemented: December 2023.
• The REEF Act - Incentivizes retired Navy ships to be repurposed as artificial reefs across U.S. marine ecosystems. Signed into law: December 2023.
• The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act - Reauthorizes critical funding for mental health and substance abuse programs. Signed into law: December 2022.
• The PRICE Act - Expands access to federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. Signed into law: February 2022.
• The Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act - Imposes sanctions on the Ortega regime in Nicaragua. Signed into law: November 2021.
• The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act - Delivered economic relief for Floridians during the pandemic. Implemented: March 2021.