Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

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 from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Did not advance and is no longer active.

House Committee on House Administration · U.S. House of Representatives

Also referred to House Committee on Natural Resources · U.S. House of Representatives.

Your position on this bill

Choose the position closest to yours. You'll sign in or create an account to save it.

Cosponsors

Recorded votes

• Vote: On Motion to Recommit

  U.S. HouseMay 21, 2026Result: Failed

  Voted yes (209)Voted no (209)Voted present (0)Absent (12)

  See member positions for the vote on May 21, 2026 (On Motion to Recommit)

• Vote: On Passage

  U.S. HouseMay 21, 2026Result: Failed

  Voted yes (204)Voted no (216)Voted present (0)Absent (10)

  See member positions for the vote on May 21, 2026 (On Passage)

Related bills

• S. 1303Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum ActIdentical bill
• H.Res. 1300Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1041) to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting certain information to the Department of Justice for use by the national instant criminal background check system; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6047) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the dollar amounts for the payment of certain disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1329) to permit the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.Procedurally related

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. May 21, 2026

   Did not pass

   Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).

   U.S. House of Representatives

2. May 21, 2026

   Passed a chamber

   Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3. May 21, 2026

   Introduced

   Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

   U.S. House

4. May 21, 2026

   Ms. Randall Moved to Recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (cr H3692)

   Ms. Randall moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (CR H3692)

   U.S. House of Representatives

5. May 21, 2026

   On Passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (roll no. 188).

   On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.