Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

Where it stands

1. Introduced Done · Feb 13, 2025
2. Committee Done · Feb 13, 2025
3. Passed House Not yet
4. Passed Senate Not yet
5. President Not yet
6. Law Not yet

Failed in the House on May 21, 2026.

From the official actions on Congress.gov.

Key points

What it changes

A plain-language summary isn't ready yet. The official summary below describes the bill.

Who it affects

A plain-language summary isn't ready yet. The official summary below describes the bill.

What it costs

No cost estimate yet.

Where it stands

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. (May 21, 2026)

What happens next

It failed in the House. It moves forward only if it is brought up for another vote.

Official 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 by the Congressional Research Service (Reported to House version), via Congress.gov. These are proposed provisions, not enacted law.

Recorded votes

1. HOUSEFinal passageMay 21, 2026 · roll call 188

   On Passage: Failed (204–216)

   This vote decided whether the bill passes this chamber.
   Votes by party

   How each party voted on roll call 188

   Party	Yes	No	Present	Did not vote	Share voting Yes
   Democratic	0	210	0	2
   Republican	203	6	0	8
   Independent	1	0	0	0

   Party totals from the official roll call.

   Office of the Clerk, U.S. House ↗ — includes how every member voted

2. HOUSEProceduralMay 21, 2026 · roll call 187

   On Motion to Recommit: Failed (209–209)

   This vote set how the bill is debated. It is not a vote for or against the bill.
   Votes by party

   How each party voted on roll call 187

   Party	Yes	No	Present	Did not vote	Share voting Yes
   Democratic	209	0	0	3
   Republican	0	208	0	9
   Independent	0	1	0	0

   Party totals from the official roll call.

   Office of the Clerk, U.S. House ↗ — includes how every member voted

Vote types come from the official question text. How we label votes

Legislative history

1. May 21, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2. May 21, 2026On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).
3. May 21, 2026Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 204 - 216 (Roll no. 188).
4. May 21, 2026On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 209 (Roll no. 187).
5. May 21, 2026The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
6. May 21, 2026Ms. Randall moved to recommit to the Committee on House Administration. (CR H3692)
7. May 21, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3707-3710)
8. May 21, 2026Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the House resumed consideration of H.R. 1329.
9. May 21, 2026POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 1329 is postponed.
10. May 21, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11. May 21, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1329.
12. May 21, 2026Rule 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.
13. May 21, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1300. (consideration: CR H3692-3699; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3692-3693)
14. May 20, 2026Rule H. Res. 1300 passed House.
15. May 19, 2026Rules 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.
16. Apr 23, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 538.
17. Apr 23, 2026Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
18. Apr 23, 2026Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
19. Apr 23, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-621, Part I.
20. Apr 23, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on House Administration. H. Rept. 119-621, Part I.
21. Mar 18, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 4.
22. Mar 18, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
23. Feb 10, 2026Subcommittee Hearings Held
24. Feb 3, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
25. Feb 13, 2025Referred 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.