Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act
Where it stands
- Introduced2/13/25
- Passed HouseFailed 5/21/26
- Senate
- President
- Law
Failed in the House on May 21, 2026.
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Roll calls on this bill
- Democratic0 Yea · 210 Nay · 2 Not voting
- Republican203 Yea · 6 Nay · 8 Not voting
- Independent / Other1 Yea · 0 Nay · 0 Not voting
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.
231
2/13/25
What happens next
This bill failed.
All actions (24)
- 2/13/25Introduced in House
- 2/13/25Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2/3/26Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2/10/26Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 3/18/26Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 3/18/26Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 4.
- 4/23/26Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-621, Part I.
- 4/23/26Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
- 4/23/26Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 538.
- 5/19/26Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1300 Reported to House. 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.
- 5/20/26Rule H. Res. 1300 passed House.
- 5/21/26Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1300. (consideration: CR H3692-3699; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3692-3693)
- 5/21/26Rule 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.
- 5/21/26DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1329.
- 5/21/26The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- 5/21/26POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 1329 is postponed.
- 5/21/26Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the House resumed consideration of H.R. 1329.
- 5/21/26Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3707-3710)
- 5/21/26Ms. Randall moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (CR H3692)
- 5/21/26The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
- 5/21/26On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 209 (Roll no. 187).
- 5/21/26Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).
- 5/21/26On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).
- 5/21/26Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.