House Passes Rep. Salazar Resolution Advancing Congressional America250 Time Capsule Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. -This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res. 109, a resolution introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the dedication ceremony of the Congressional America250 Time Capsule, a national project commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Congressional America250 Time Capsule will include contributions from all 50 states and U.S. territories, preserving a snapshot of the nation as Americans prepare to celebrate 250 years of independence. The capsule is expected to remain sealed until 2076, when the United States marks the 300th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The resolution was introduced by Rep. Salazar alongside Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), and Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), reflecting bipartisan support for commemorating one of the most significant milestones in American history. The House approved H.Con.Res. 109 on June 11, 2026. The measure now awaits consideration in the Senate.

"As our nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, we have an opportunity not only to reflect on our past, but to preserve this moment for future generations," said Rep. Salazar. "The Congressional America250 Time Capsule will tell the story of our country through the voices, experiences, and contributions of Americans from every state and territory. Fifty years from now, it will serve as a reminder of who we were, what we valued, and the enduring principles of freedom and self-government that have guided our nation since 1776."

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

She co-led the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, the legislation that established the Congressional Time Capsule initiative and laid the foundation for the upcoming dedication ceremony. She has also supported several other congressional initiatives commemorating America's 250th anniversary, including the $2.50 for America's 250th Act, legislation directing the minting of commemorative coins honoring the nation's founding and a congressional resolution authorizing special America250 light displays on the Washington Monument to help launch the Semiquincentennial year.

Earlier this year, Rep. Salazar helped facilitate an official America250 Commission meeting at Miami's historic Freedom Tower, underscoring South Florida's role in the nation's Semiquincentennial celebration and highlighting the importance of ensuring communities across the country are represented in America's 250th anniversary.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 24, 2026, in Emancipation Hall, the Capitol Visitor Center's main public gathering space.

At its core, the Congressional America250 Time Capsule is about preserving the American story, capturing who we are today so future generations can better understand the people, values, and ideals that shaped our nation.