WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 3705 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-79

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

Became lawCongress
IntroducedJan 27, 2026
Passed SenateJan 27, 2026
Passed HouseFeb 9, 2026
To PresidentFeb 12, 2026
Became lawFeb 18, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

S. 3705 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act

    This act requires the Architect of the Capitol to create a congressional time capsule in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to be buried in the Capitol Visitor Center on or before July 4, 2026.

    The time capsule shall contain a joint letter from congressional leadership (the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate) and such other contents as they shall determine.

    The act directs the Architect of the Capitol to also install a plaque about the time capsule, subject to the approval of the Committee on House Administration of the House and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.

    The time capsule shall be sealed until July 4, 2276. On that date, the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader shall present the time capsule to the 244th Congress.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Feb 18, 2026).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. 2026-02-18Became Public Law No: 119-79.Library of Congress
    2. 2026-02-18Became Public Law No: 119-79.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-02-18Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2026-02-18Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2026-02-12Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2026-02-12Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2026-02-09Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    8. 2026-02-09On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)House floor actions
    9. 2026-02-09Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2046-2047)Library of Congress
    10. 2026-02-09DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3705.House floor actions
    11. 2026-02-09Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2046-2048)House floor actions
    12. 2026-02-09Mrs. Bice moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    13. 2026-02-02Held at the desk.House floor actions
    14. 2026-02-02Received in the House.House floor actions
    15. 2026-01-27Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S298; text: CR S298)Senate
    16. 2026-01-27Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    17. 2026-01-27Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-79 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

    Cosponsors

    • Chuck Grassley R-IA
    • Alex Padilla D-CA
    • Jeanne Shaheen D-NH