This bill has advanced since we wrote our summary.
Current stage on Congress.gov: Reported in House.
The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum would be authorized to be built on the National Mall itself, with the South Monument site near 14th Street and Independence Avenue designated as the location unless the President picks an alternative within 180 days. Federal land at the site would be transferred to the Smithsonian, which would reimburse other federal agencies for related costs within 60 days. The museum's mission would be redefined to cover the history and experiences of biological women, and it would be prohibited from identifying any biological male as a female. The museum's governing council would be required to ensure exhibits represent an equal diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women.
Civil Liberties
- Transgender women — Barred from being depicted as female in Smithsonian women's museum exhibits
Transparency & Accountability
- Smithsonian council — Required to ensure equal representation of political viewpoints in exhibits
- Smithsonian reports to Congress — Required every 2 years on viewpoint-diversity compliance
Congressional Summary
Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum ActThis 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.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to House
- Action Date
- 2026-04-23
- Date Added
- 2026-05-20
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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