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 contents, determined by congressional leadership, will include materials related to the Semiquincentennial, legislative milestones, and a message to the future Congress. The time capsule is to be buried on the West Lawn of the Capitol by July 4, 2026, and unsealed on July 4, 2276.
Expected Effects
This act will create a tangible connection between the present and future Congresses. It will also preserve historical artifacts and messages for future generations. The act itself has no immediate economic or social impact, but it serves as a symbolic gesture.
Potential Benefits
- Preserves historical documents and artifacts related to the Semiquincentennial.
- Provides a snapshot of the legislative and institutional milestones of the current Congress.
- Creates a connection between the present and future Congresses, fostering a sense of continuity and shared history.
- Offers a unique educational opportunity for future generations to learn about the past.
- Promotes civic engagement and reflection on the nation's history and values.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The cost of creating and maintaining the time capsule, although likely minimal, is not specified.
- The selection of contents is left to congressional leadership, which could lead to biased or incomplete representation of the era.
- The symbolic nature of the act may be perceived as a distraction from more pressing issues.
- There is a risk that the time capsule could be damaged or lost over the next 250 years.
- The act does not address the long-term preservation of the time capsule's contents after it is opened.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the general powers of Congress as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. While not directly related to any specific enumerated power, the act can be seen as an exercise of Congress's authority to commemorate historical events and preserve records for future generations. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).