Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-02

LETTER FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONGRESSIONAL TIME CAPSULE

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Context

On 2026-07-02, Representative James R. Baird (R-IN-4) delivered a floor speech titled "LETTER FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONGRESSIONAL TIME CAPSULE" in the House.

Full Text

LETTER FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONGRESSIONAL TIME CAPSULE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E649] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] LETTER FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONGRESSIONAL TIME CAPSULE ______ HON. JAMES R. BAIRD of indiana in the house of representatives Thursday, July 2, 2026 Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record a letter that I provided for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, which will be opened by the American people 250 years from now in the year 2276, the 500th anniversary of our great Nation's founding: To the American people in the year 2276, This letter was written in 2026, upon the semiquincentennial anniversary of our nation's founding. I, Congressman James R. Baird, PhD, representing Indiana's Fourth District, would like to offer this glimpse as you enter the 500th year of these United States. Today, Indiana is defined by its affordability, rich agricultural heritage, and status as a manufacturing hub. Indiana offers a balance of urban culture and expansive rural landscapes. The people exhibit ``Hoosier Hospitality.'' The term describes a welcoming and kind demeanor centered on treating strangers like old friends. As the U.S. enters its 500th year, I ask that you remember America's founding principles. The Founding Fathers envisioned a nation based on inalienable, God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Remember these principles. Freedom is never won nor defended easily but is always worth protecting. America is the greatest country ever created in human history. The words of Indiana veteran and journalist, Elmer Davis ring true now, as they will in 250 years: ``This nation will remain the land of the free, only so long as it is the home of the brave.'' We have traveled to the moon and back, fought for freedom across oceans and continents, split the atom, and yet our greatest achievement remains forming a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. May God bless you all, and God bless these United States of America. As of the printing of this letter, Indiana makes up the following statistics: 1. The Hoosier state has a population of more than 6,973,333 people, based on U.S. Census data. The median age is 38. Average cost of a house in Indiana is $256,584 compared to the national average of $368,198. 2. Indiana has the highest percentage of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. with more than 540,000 workers across all manufacturing industries. Indiana is also the largest steel- producing state in the country, producing roughly 27% of all U.S. steel. 3. Indiana is the seventh-largest agricultural exporter in the country. There are just over 94,000 farmers in the state. We produce more popcorn, meat ducks, and gourds than any state. Indiana is the fourth-largest corn producer and fifth- largest soybean producer. 4. Six vice presidents were born in the state, making Indiana ``The Mother of Vice Presidents.'' 5. The winning time of the 2026 Indy500 was three hours, five minutes, nine seconds and 6471 milliseconds. This was the closest margin of victory ever, 23.3 milliseconds. 6. The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville in 1899. 7. In 2026, Indiana University had an undefeated football season, beating Ohio State 13-10 to win their first Big Ten Championship Game. The Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 to become the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Champions, completing the greatest turnaround in college football history. 8. Interestingly, Aviator Pioneer Ameila Earheart taught at Purdue and her plane that mysteriously crash-landed over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 was legally owned by Purdue and if found must be returned to the University. 9. Purdue is also considered the ``cradle of astronauts'' since they have had more NASA Astronauts come from Purdue than any other public university. 10. 8 of the 10 largest high school basketball gymnasiums in the United States are in Indiana. 11. Purdue University has a premier basketball team with numerous wins throughout their storied history, including 26 ``Big Ten'' regular season championships and 3 Big Ten tournament championships, three NCAA Tournament Final Fours and two NCAA championship games, and participation in three ``Final Four'', seven ``Elite Eight'', and sixteen ``Sweet Sixteen'' games. ____________________

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LETTER FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONGRESSIONAL TIME CAPSULE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E649] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] LETTER FOR THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONGRESSIONAL TIME CAPSULE ______ HON. JAMES R. BAIRD of indiana in the house of representatives Thursday, July 2, 2026 Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record a letter that I provided for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, which will be opened by the American people 250 years from now in the year 2276, the 500th anniversary of our great Nation's founding: To the American people in the year 2276, This letter was written in 2026, upon the semiquincentennial anniversary of our nation's founding. I, Congressman James R. Baird, PhD, representing Indiana's Fourth District, would like to offer this glimpse as you enter the 500th year of these United States. Today, Indiana is defined by its affordability, rich agricultural heritage, and status as a manufacturing hub. Indiana offers a balance of urban culture and expansive rural landscapes. The people exhibit ``Hoosier Hospitality.'' The term describes a welcoming and kind demeanor centered on treating strangers like old friends. As the U.S. enters its 500th year, I ask that you remember America's founding principles. The Founding Fathers envisioned a nation based on inalienable, God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Remember these principles. Freedom is never won nor defended easily but is always worth protecting. America is the greatest country ever created in human history. The words of Indiana veteran and journalist, Elmer Davis ring true now, as they will in 250 years: ``This nation will remain the land of the free, only so long as it is the home of the brave.'' We have traveled to the moon and back, fought for freedom across oceans and continents, split the atom, and yet our greatest achievement remains forming a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. May God bless you all, and God bless these United States of America. As of the printing of this letter, Indiana makes up the following statistics: 1. The Hoosier state has a population of more than 6,973,333 people, based on U.S. Census data. The median age is 38. Average cost of a house in Indiana is $256,584 compared to the national average of $368,198. 2. Indiana has the highest percentage of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. with more than 540,000 workers across all manufacturing industries. Indiana is also the largest steel- producing state in the country, producing roughly 27% of all U.S. steel. 3. Indiana is the seventh-largest agricultural exporter in the country. There are just over 94,000 farmers in the state. We produce more popcorn, meat ducks, and gourds than any state. Indiana is the fourth-largest corn producer and fifth- largest soybean producer. 4. Six vice presidents were born in the state, making Indiana ``The Mother of Vice Presidents.'' 5. The winning time of the 2026 Indy500 was three hours, five minutes, nine seconds and 6471 milliseconds. This was the closest margin of victory ever, 23.3 milliseconds. 6. The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville in 1899. 7. In 2026, Indiana University had an undefeated football season, beating Ohio State 13-10 to win their first Big Ten Championship Game. The Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 to become the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Champions, completing the greatest turnaround in college football history. 8. Interestingly, Aviator Pioneer Ameila Earheart taught at Purdue and her plane that mysteriously crash-landed over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 was legally owned by Purdue and if found must be returned to the University. 9. Purdue is also considered the ``cradle of astronauts'' since they have had more NASA Astronauts come from Purdue than any other public university. 10. 8 of the 10 largest high school basketball gymnasiums in the United States are in Indiana. 11. Purdue University has a premier basketball team with numerous wins throughout their storied history, including 26 ``Big Ten'' regular season championships and 3 Big Ten tournament championships, three NCAA Tournament Final Fours and two NCAA championship games, and participation in three ``Final Four'', seven ``Elite Eight'', and sixteen ``Sweet Sixteen'' games. ____________________