Kelly, Arizona Delegation Submit 250 Copper Pennies to Congressional Time Capsule

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and the entire Arizona congressional delegation submitted 250 copper pennies to the Semiquintennial Congressional Time Capsule honoring America's 250^th birthday.

"America's 250th birthday honors the generations of Americans who served, built this nation, and strengthened our democracy. Arizona has long powered our economy and national security through its leadership in copper production. From the penny to advanced microelectronics, copper is central to Arizona's past and future and that's exactly why it belongs in this time capsule," said Sen. Kelly.

"Our submission reflects the story of both Arizona and America. Copper is one of Arizona's historic Five C's and helped build our state just as it helped build our Nation. It powers our homes, strengthens our economy, supports our national defense, and remains one of America's most important strategic minerals. These 250 copper pennies honor the generations of Americans whose hard work, sacrifice, and ingenuity made the United States the greatest force for freedom and opportunity in human history. Two hundred and fifty years ago, brave patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to establish a nation founded on liberty and self-government. These pennies serve as a simple but powerful reminder that America's prosperity was built one citizen, one community, and one generation at a time. As we look toward the next 250 years, we remain committed to preserving the principles that made our Republic exceptional," said Rep. Gosar. "I am grateful to my colleagues in both parties for recognizing the significance of this historic milestone and supporting Arizona's submission to the congressional time capsule. America's 250th birthday belongs to every citizen, regardless of politics. I thank each member of Arizona's delegation for helping ensure our state is represented in this once-in-a-generation celebration of American independence. Together, these 250 copper pennies honor our shared history, Arizona's proud legacy as the Copper State, and the enduring promise of the American Dream."

"As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, I am honored to take part in this bipartisan initiative that will preserve the spirit of Arizona for years to come. These two rolls of copper pennies fittingly represent the state's history, spotlighting a vital industry that has driven our economy. When this capsule is opened 250 years from now, future generations of Americans will see a physical reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness that Arizona has always brought to the American story," said Sen. Gallego.

"There are few resources more ingrained in the foundation of our great state than copper. Arizona produces roughly seventy percent of the country's copper output per year, which contributes substantially to our national economy and infrastructure with this cherished element. I cannot think of a better item to represent Arizona for years to come than a copper penny and am pleased to join the State Delegation in submitting it to the time capsule. It just makes cents," said Rep. Biggs.

"As we approach America's 250th anniversary, we have a responsibility to preserve the rich heritage of our beautiful state and the natural resources that have helped shape Arizona's story. Copper is more than a resource, it is a symbol of Arizona's history and a proud part of our Five C's that have helped build our communities, fuel our economy, and define generations of Arizonans. I'm proud to join my Arizona colleagues in commemorating this historic milestone by contributing pennies made from Arizona copper to the congressional time capsule. This capsule will serve as a snapshot of our nation at this moment in history and will be opened on America's 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276. It is a reminder that the legacy we build today will be carried forward for generations to come," said Rep. Ciscomani.

"The Semiquincentennial Time Capsule gives each state the opportunity to showcase what makes it great. It's fitting that our delegation is contributing copper pennies, given Arizona's strong and storied mining history. With new projects underway, Arizona will continue to lead our nation in extracting this critical resource," said Rep. Crane.

"As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, this time capsule offers an opportunity to reflect on the people that helped shape Arizona's history. I am happy to join my colleagues in recognizing the generations of Arizonans whose hard work helped build the communities we know today," said Rep. Grijalva.

"Everyone who has the honor of growing up in Arizona knows the Five C's: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate. Copper isn't just one of them; it built our state. It powered our economy, shaped our history, and still runs through the very heart of Arizona. What better way to honor State 48 on our nation's 250th birthday than to place a piece of that proud copper legacy into this time capsule," said Rep. Hamadeh.

"Copper is part of Arizona's story and America's story. This contribution honors our state's mining heritage and the generations of Arizonans whose work helped build and power the nation," said Rep. Schweikert.

"Copper runs through Arizona's DNA. It's powered generation after generation of American progress-including the semiconductors and other advanced technology the state pioneers today. As we mark 250 years of independence, there's no better symbol of Arizona's contribution to this nation," said Rep. Stanton.

Background:

Authorized by Congress and administered by the Architect of the Capitol, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule will be sealed and preserved in the United States Capitol until July 4^th, 2276, when Americans celebrating the Nation's 500^th birthday will open it and reflect on the people, values, and achievements that shaped our era.

As Arizona's official contribution, the delegation selected 250 copper pennies-one for each year of American independence. The pennies symbolize both the strength of the American people and Arizona's unique place in the American story. Copper is one of Arizona's historic "Five C's"-copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate-which helped shape the state's economy, culture, and development. Arizona remains one of the nation's leading copper-producing states, supplying a mineral essential to modern infrastructure, manufacturing, energy production, and national defense.

Click here to read the delegation's letter to Congressional leadership.