Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act
Download PDFSponsored 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
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
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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
Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15]
ID: D000594
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
ID: D000624
Top Contributors
10
Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]
ID: L000598
Top Contributors
10
Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
ID: M000312
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]
ID: F000478
Top Contributors
10
Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]
ID: D000617
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]
ID: M001205
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]
ID: C001127
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]
ID: G000593
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
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