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Bill sets National Mall site and content rules for women's history museum

RejectedH.R. 1329Latest action

Sponsor: Nicole Malliotakis · Representative · NY

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
Read the official text

Official title: Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

119th Congress

Topics: Family & community

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

HR 1329 locates the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall and sets content rules.

50-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

HR 1329 allows the previously approved Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be built within the National Mall's "Reserve," specifically at the "South Monument site," though the president could pick another site within 180 days. It sets land-transfer, design, and coordination rules with planning commissions, and adds requirements about the museum's content, including a focus on "biological women," a ban on depicting "biological males" as female, and a mandate for balanced viewpoints and regular reporting to Congress.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the Smithsonian Institution, the museum's advisory council, and federal agencies overseeing the National Mall, such as the Commission of Fine Arts and National Capital Planning Commission. It also affects the public who will visit the museum and see its exhibits.

Why does it matter?

The bill would determine where the museum can be built despite normal restrictions on new construction in the Reserve, and would shape what topics, definitions, and viewpoints its exhibits must reflect going forward.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Based on the “Reported in House” text of Apr 23, 2026.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

No call to make

The House rejected it, 204–216, on May 21, 2026.

Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
  2. House committee
  3. House voteRejected here · May 21, 2026
  4. SenateNot reached
  5. The president's deskNot reached

Right now: the House voted on it and rejected it, 204–216.

Latest action: — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 188

    As recorded

    Question
    On Passage
    Result:
    Failed
    204
    Nay
    216
    0
    10

    Republicans 203 yes, 6 no, 8 not voting · Democrats 210 no, 2 not voting · Independent 1 yes

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

  2. House · · Roll call 187

    As recorded

    Question
    On
    Result:
    Failed
    209
    Nay
    209
    0
    12

    Republicans 208 no, 9 not voting · Democrats 209 yes, 3 not voting · Independent 1 no

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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