[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

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                          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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