Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1329
Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

ID: M000317

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 4.

March 18, 2026

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another bill, another exercise in futility. Let's dissect this mess.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act (HR 1329) is a feel-good bill that aims to create a museum dedicated to the history of American women. The main objective is to provide a platform for showcasing the contributions and experiences of women in the United States. How noble.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill authorizes the Smithsonian Institution to locate the museum within the Reserve of the National Mall, which is currently prohibited by law. It also amends existing legislation to allow for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the land or structure designated as the site for the museum from another federal agency to the Smithsonian Institution.

Additionally, the bill requires the Council responsible for the museum's exhibits and programs to ensure diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences, which is a nice way of saying "we'll try not to be too biased." The Council must also seek guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable and respected sources reflecting the diversity of women's experiences in the United States.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include:

* The Smithsonian Institution * Women's organizations and advocacy groups * Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the National Mall * Congress (because they get to pretend to care about women's history)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic example of "legislative theater." It's a symbolic gesture designed to make politicians look good, rather than actually addressing any real issues. The impact will be minimal, as the museum will likely become another tourist attraction with little actual substance.

The real implications are:

* More bureaucratic red tape and administrative costs associated with creating and maintaining the museum * Potential conflicts over the interpretation of women's history and whose experiences get represented * A further erosion of public trust in government, as politicians continue to prioritize symbolic gestures over meaningful action

In conclusion, this bill is a perfect example of the "disease" that afflicts our legislative process: a focus on optics over substance, and a willingness to waste taxpayer dollars on feel-good projects rather than addressing real problems. It's a symptom of a larger disease – the prioritization of politics over policy.

Related Topics

Federal Budget & Appropriations Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Congressional Rules & Procedures Transportation & Infrastructure Government Operations & Accountability National Security & Intelligence Small Business & Entrepreneurship State & Local Government Affairs Civil Rights & Liberties
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$73,619
18 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$219
Committees
$0
Individuals
$73,400

No PAC contributions found

1
M&T BANK
2 transactions
$219

No committee contributions found

1
BANKE, BARBARA R. MS.
2 transactions
$6,600
2
LOEB, SHARON HANDLER MS.
2 transactions
$6,600
3
RETTNER, RONALD MR.
2 transactions
$6,600
4
SIDIROPOULOS, JIM MR.
1 transaction
$5,600
5
BERGER, RICHARD MR.
1 transaction
$5,000
6
LOEB, JOHN L. MR. JR
1 transaction
$5,000
7
BAUMRIND, MARTIN M. MR.
1 transaction
$5,000
8
DUIT, JAMES A
1 transaction
$3,300
9
DUIT, PAMELA A
1 transaction
$3,300
10
LAUDER, RONALD S.
1 transaction
$3,300
11
BERMAN, MYRON
1 transaction
$3,300
12
BERMAN, WAYNE
1 transaction
$3,300
13
BLUMBERG, DAVID J. MR.
1 transaction
$3,300
14
HARARY, JERRY
1 transaction
$3,300
15
III, WILLIAM H. GATES
1 transaction
$3,300
16
KEKST, DAVID
1 transaction
$3,300
17
KEKST, REBECCA
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

ID: C001080

Top Contributors

10

1
VALDAMAR ARCHULETA FOR CONGRESS
CCM DENVER, CO
$100
May 24, 2024
2
VALDAMAR ARCHULETA FOR CONGRESS
CCM DENVER, CO
$76
May 25, 2024
3
VALDAMAR ARCHULETA FOR CONGRESS
CCM DENVER, CO
$25
Apr 30, 2024
4
VALDAMAR ARCHULETA FOR CONGRESS
CCM DENVER, CO
$14
May 3, 2024
5
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
PAC WASHINGTON, DC
$2,500
Mar 27, 2023
6
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
Organization MARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Mar 21, 2024
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jun 2, 2023
9
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
Organization DURANT, OK
$550
Sep 27, 2023
10
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Mar 7, 2023

Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15]

ID: D000594

Top Contributors

10

1
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
Organization DURANT, OK
$3,300
Aug 29, 2024
2
THE CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$3,300
Aug 29, 2024
3
ALABAMA- COUSHATTA TRIBE
Organization LIVINGSTON, TX
$1,000
Oct 16, 2024
4
ADKINS, JAMES
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual HUNTINGTON, WV
$6,600
Oct 24, 2024
5
MOUSSEAU, RAYMOND
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual CROSWELL, MI
$6,600
Jun 2, 2024
6
DILAMANI, EDWARD
AGC BUSINESSMAN
Individual GREAT NECK, NY
$6,600
Jul 8, 2024
7
EMIG, SUELLEN
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual FREEDOM, PA
$6,600
Sep 29, 2024
8
STEWART, FORREST
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual DESOTO, IL
$6,534
Feb 13, 2024
9
SPECHT, VIVIAN
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual LYMAN, NE
$5,940
Aug 7, 2024
10
CERDA, JULIO
S TEXAS INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP PARTNER
Individual MISSION, TX
$5,000
Oct 25, 2024

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

ID: D000624

Top Contributors

10

1
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
Organization DORR, MI
$3,300
Dec 13, 2023
2
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
Organization FULTON, MI
$3,300
Mar 28, 2024
3
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
Organization DORR, MI
$3,300
Oct 16, 2024
4
FORD, CYNTHIA
NA CIVIC PHILANTHROPIST
Individual GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI
$3,300
Oct 14, 2024
5
FORD, EDSEL B. II
FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSULTANT
Individual GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI
$3,300
Oct 14, 2024
6
MEIJER, HENDRIK
MEIJER, INC. EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Individual GRAND RAPIDS, MI
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
7
CARTER ALTMAN, LYNDA
SELF EMPLOYED MUSICIAN
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 6, 2023
8
DEBBANE, RAYMOND
THE INVUS GROUP CEO
Individual GREENWICH, CT
$3,300
Dec 4, 2023
9
FARES, NIJAD
LINK INVESTOR
Individual HOUSTON, TX
$3,300
Nov 30, 2023
10
III, WILLIAM H. GATES
BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY & BILL & MELINDA G PHILANTHROPIST
Individual REDMOND, WA
$3,300
Oct 19, 2023

Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

ID: L000598

Top Contributors

10

1
DEMOCRACY ENGINE, INC., PAC
Organization WASHINGTON, DC
$1,000
Mar 28, 2024
2
BARATTA, JOSEPH P II
BLACKSTONE FINANCE EXECUTIVE
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 31, 2023
3
SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 30, 2023
4
SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN
BLACKSTONE
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 29, 2023
5
SABIN, ANDREW
SABIN METAL CORP OWNER
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 6, 2023
6
DEGEORGE, JOSEPH
ST. PAULY TEXTILE, INC. PRESIDENT
Individual BRANCHPORT, NY
$6,600
Mar 13, 2023
7
XU, MAODONG
FRESH2 TECHNOLOGY INC ADVISOR
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$6,600
Mar 30, 2023
8
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,600
Oct 17, 2023
9
SINGER, PAUL
ELLIOTT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO-CEO, CO-CIO, PRESIDENT
Individual PALM BEACH, FL
$6,600
Oct 18, 2023
10
GILLIAM, RICHARD
CUMBERLAND DEV. MANAGER
Individual CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
$6,600
Nov 21, 2023

Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

ID: M000312

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
Organization TAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Dec 31, 2023
2
CHEROKEE NATION
Organization TAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Dec 31, 2023
3
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Oct 20, 2023
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Apr 30, 2024
5
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
Organization DURANT, OK
$2,900
Sep 30, 2023
6
HOLMES, W. WILTON
Individual JACKSONVILLE, FL
$3,300
May 13, 2024
7
BOTTKA, CHRIS
SELF CONSULTANT
Individual FERNANDINA BEACH, FL
$3,200
Jul 31, 2024
8
HOLMES, W. WILTON
Individual JACKSONVILLE, FL
$1,700
May 14, 2024
9
PORODA, MICHAEL
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual JACKSONVILLE, FL
$1,000
Oct 17, 2024
10
BRANDT, LELEE
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual AMENIA, NY
$500
Jul 11, 2024

Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]

ID: F000478

Top Contributors

10

1
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
Organization CHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Feb 20, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
Organization CHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Sep 5, 2024
3
RMS LLC
Organization HOOVER, AL
$2,500
Sep 5, 2024
4
ROBERT S GUYTON PC
Organization MYRTLE BEACH, SC
$1,000
Jun 17, 2024
5
GAMBLE, KATHRYN
UNAKA CO BUSINESS EXECUTIVE
Individual DALLAS, TX
$6,600
Jul 15, 2024
6
AUSTIN, ROBERT
UNAKA CO., INC. BUSINESSMAN
Individual DALLAS, TX
$6,600
Jul 19, 2024
7
MOORE, KEVIN
R.H. MOORE COMPANY, INC. CONSTRUCTION
Individual PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC
$6,600
Aug 20, 2024
8
LOWELL, RANDY
BURR FORMAN ATTORNEY
Individual ISLE OF PALMS, SC
$3,435
Dec 2, 2024
9
GRUBBS, WESLEY
BEACH FORD CAR DEALER
Individual MYRTLE BEACH, SC
$3,435
May 30, 2024
10
WOOTEN, GAIL
RETIRED RETIRED
Individual MURRELLS INLET, SC
$3,435
Jun 19, 2024

Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]

ID: D000617

Top Contributors

10

1
JAMESTOWN S'KLALLAM TRIBE
Organization SEQUIM, WA
$6,600
Mar 31, 2023
2
LUMMI INDIAN NATION
Organization BELLINGHAM, WA
$5,000
Jul 17, 2024
3
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
Organization TACOMA, WA
$3,700
Jun 28, 2024
4
SNOQUALMIE TRIBE
Organization SNOQUALMIE, WA
$3,300
Nov 2, 2023
5
JAMESTOWN S'KLALLAM TRIBE
Organization SEQUIM, WA
$3,300
Mar 31, 2023
6
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
Organization AUBURN, WA
$3,300
Jun 1, 2023
7
THE TULALIP TRIBES OF WASHINGTON
Organization TULALIP, WA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
8
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
Organization TACOMA, WA
$3,300
Jun 28, 2024
9
THE TULALIP TRIBES OF WASHINGTON
Organization TULALIP, WA
$3,300
Jun 20, 2024
10
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
Organization AUBURN, WA
$3,300
Aug 13, 2024

Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]

ID: M001205

Top Contributors

10

1
WINRED PAC
PAC ARLINGTON, VA
$13,010
Mar 31, 2023
2
SAC & FOX TRIBE OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN IOWA
COM TAMA, IA
$1,000
Aug 11, 2023
3
RENEWABLE ENERGY, CITIZENS FOR
COM MADISON, WI
$500
Aug 20, 2024
4
POLITICAL COMMITTEE, NWF ACTION FUND
PAC WASHINGTON, DC
$500
Sep 18, 2024
5
ADAMS MEMORIALS
Organization CHARLESTON, IL
$1,000
Mar 23, 2023
6
VAHLING VINEYARDS
Organization STEWARDSON, IL
$500
Jan 11, 2024
7
THE CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$1,000
Jun 20, 2023
8
US MARSHALS SERVICES
Organization NEW YORK, NY
$2,900
Apr 20, 2023
9
HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP
Organization RICHMOND, VA
$1,000
Mar 22, 2023
10
KASPAR, SCOTT
KASPAR LAW COMPANY LAWYER
Individual ORLAND PARK, IL
$13,200
Mar 22, 2023

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]

ID: C001127

Top Contributors

10

1
AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
PAC WASHINGTON, DC
$500
Nov 4, 2024
2
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
Organization HOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Aug 20, 2024
3
SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA
Organization HOLLYWOOD, FL
$3,300
Sep 8, 2023
4
FIGGERS, FREDDIE
FIGGERS INVENTOR
Individual FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
$6,600
Jun 8, 2023
5
FIGGERS, FREDDIE
Individual FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
$6,600
Sep 25, 2023
6
MOISE, RUDOLPH
Individual DAVIE, FL
$3,300
Oct 7, 2024
7
GEORGE, DAVID J.
REFUEL DEPOT LLC SALES
Individual LEADWOOD, KS
$3,300
Sep 27, 2024
8
GOLDEN, SYLVIA
NONE RETIRED
Individual WEST PALM BEACH, FL
$3,300
Aug 18, 2024
9
GORI, PHILIP
SELF INVESTOR
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$3,300
Sep 16, 2024
10
MUELLER, KYLE
ZUTEK DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Individual OLATHE, KS
$3,300
Sep 27, 2024

Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]

ID: G000593

Top Contributors

10

1
CARR, JIM
CC HOMES CEO
Individual MIAMI BEACH, FL
$6,600
Mar 22, 2023
2
GRIFFIN, KENNETH
CITADEL LLC FOUNDER CEO
Individual MIAMI BEACH, FL
$6,600
Apr 10, 2023
3
KEMMERER, JOHN L
KEMMERER MANAGEMENT CORP EXECUTIVE
Individual JACKSON, WY
$6,600
Apr 18, 2023
4
KEMMERER, KAREN
NONE RETIRED
Individual JACKSON, WY
$6,600
May 11, 2023
5
STAHL, LEWIS
NEXTGEN MANAGEMENT LLC FOUNDER
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 14, 2023
6
POOLE, GREG III
GREGORY POOLE EQUIPMENT COMPANY OWNER
Individual RALEIGH, NC
$5,000
Mar 29, 2024
7
CARRICARTE, MICHAEL
NONE RETIRED
Individual MIAMI, FL
$5,000
Jun 27, 2023
8
TORRES, HUMBERTO
INSURANCE NATION INSURANCE AGENT
Individual MIAMI, FL
$5,000
May 1, 2024
9
TORRES, YADIRA
INSURANCE NATION INSURANCE AGENT
Individual MIAMI, FL
$5,000
May 1, 2024
10
BERMAN, MICHAEL
BERMAN AUTO GROUP AUTO DEALER
Individual KEY LARGO, FL
$4,000
Mar 28, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 35 nodes and 37 connections

Total contributions: $115,420

Top Donors - Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org17 Individuals