H.R. 1329 · On the floor · Arts, Culture, Religion

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

Sponsor: Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)

What it does

• Authorizes the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be built on the South Monument site within the Reserve of the National Mall, across from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Lets the President designate an alternative site within 180 days of enactment and transfers administrative jurisdiction of the site to the Smithsonian.
• Requires approval from specified federal entities, such as the Commission of Fine Arts, to plan, design, and construct the building, with the Smithsonian reimbursing approval costs.
• Dedicates the museum to the history, achievements, and lived experiences of biological women and bars it from presenting or depicting any biological male as a female.
• Requires the museum's advisory council to seek guidance from a broad array of sources reflecting diverse political viewpoints.

Official summary

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act This bill authorizes the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be located on a particular site within the Reserve of the National Mall in Washington, DC. Specifically, the bill designates the South Monument site as the location for the museum; however, the President may designate an alternative site within 180 days of the bill's enactment. (The site is the undeveloped land across the National Mall from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.) Administrative jurisdiction of the site must be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution must have the approval of specified federal entities (e.g., the Commission of Fine Arts) to plan, design, and construct a museum building. The bill (1) outlines the criteria for considering site and design proposals, and (2) requires the Smithsonian Institution to reimburse for costs resulting from the building approval process. The bill directs the museum to be dedicated to preserving, researching, and presenting the history, achievements, and lived experiences of biological women in the United States. Under this bill, the…

Latest action

May 21, 2026: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Committee: House Committee on House Administration