H.R. 1329 Failed Arts, Culture, Religion

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

To permit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11] Introduced February 13, 2025 Cosponsors 231 (104 R, 127 D) Latest action May 21, 2026

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 museum may not identify, present, describe, or depict any biological male as a female.
In carrying out its duties, the museum's advisory council must (1) seek and utilize guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable and respected sources reflecting the diversity of the political viewpoints and authentic experiences held by women in the United States, and (2) seek guidance for the creation and substantial revision of exhibits and programs.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

Actions

  1. May 21, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  2. May 21, 2026 On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).
  3. May 21, 2026 Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).
  4. May 21, 2026 On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 209 (Roll no. 187).
  5. May 21, 2026 The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
  6. May 21, 2026 Ms. Randall moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (CR H3692)
  7. May 21, 2026 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3707-3710)
  8. May 21, 2026 Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the House resumed consideration of H.R. 1329.
  9. May 21, 2026 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 1329 is postponed.
  10. May 21, 2026 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  11. May 21, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1329.
  12. May 21, 2026 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1041, H.R. 6047 and H.R. 1329. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1041, H.R. 6047, and H.R. 1329 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

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