Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act
Summary
H.R. 1329 would permit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The bill, originally introduced with bipartisan support from over 200 cosponsors, would authorize the Smithsonian Institution to establish this museum and would require federal agencies to transfer jurisdiction over designated land if necessary. The bill has passed out of committee and is eligible for a floor vote.
The bill has become subject to significant debate during committee consideration. An amended version reported from committee includes provisions that would define the museum's scope of mission and establish requirements for how the museum depicts historical figures. The bill would require the Smithsonian to report to Congress every two years on the museum's compliance with diversity requirements and any significant changes to exhibits and programs. If enacted, the bill would move forward a museum project that Congress first authorized in 2020 but which has stalled while awaiting approval for construction.