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H.R. 1329

U.S. HouseIntroduced

Summary

H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act, was introduced in the House on Feb 13, 2025 by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R) with 232 co-sponsors. It last saw action on May 21, 2026: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


Record

Text

H.R. 1329 has 232 co-sponsors, 2 roll calls and 1 amendment.

hb1329/introduced-in-house.txt
119 HR 1329 IH: Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2025-02-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
I
119th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 1329
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 13, 2025
Ms. Malliotakis (for herself, Ms. Chu , Ms. De La Cruz , Mrs. Dingell , Mr. LaLota , Mr. McGovern , Mr. Fry , Ms. DelBene , Mrs. Miller of West Virginia , Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick , Mr. Gimenez , Ms. Salinas , Mr. Lawler , Ms. Scholten , Mr. Issa , Mr. Davis of Illinois , Mr. Stauber , Ms. Sánchez , Mrs. Houchin , Mr. Ruiz , Mr. Bacon , Ms. Bonamici , Mr. Moolenaar , Ms. Brownley , Mr. Tony Gonzales of Texas , Mr. Doggett , Mr. Moylan , Mr. Espaillat , Mrs. Radewagen , Ms. Leger Fernandez , Mr. Barr , Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida , Mr. Fleischmann , Mr. García of Illinois , Mr. Newhouse , Ms. Bynum , Mrs. Kim , Mr. Van Orden , Mr. Lieu , Ms. Jacobs , Mrs. Sykes , Mr. Rulli , Ms. Lee of Nevada , Mr. Amodei of Nevada , Ms. McClellan , Mr. Langworthy , Mrs. Ramirez , Ms. Tenney , Ms. Pingree , Mr. James , Mr. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas , Mr. Rogers of Alabama , Mr. Vargas , Mr. Carey , Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania , Mr. Fitzpatrick , Mr. Van Drew , Mr. Schweikert , Mr. Nadler , Ms. Salazar , Mr. Owens , Mr. LaMalfa , Mr. Buchanan , Mr. Meuser , Mr. Wilson of South Carolina , Mr. Pfluger , Mr. Mast , Mr. Bilirakis , Mr. Rouzer , Ms. Meng , Mr. Correa , Ms. Clarke of New York , Mr. Bentz , Mrs. McBath , Ms. DeGette , Ms. Tokuda , and Ms. Rivas ) introduced the following bill; which was referred 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
A BILL
To permit the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act .
2.
Site of Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
(a)
Authorizing site within Reserve of National Mall
(1)
In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, including section 8908(c) of title 40, United States Code, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum may be located within the Reserve (as defined in section 8902(a) of title 40, United States Code).
(2)
Conforming amendment
Section 107(d) of division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 80t–5(d) ) is amended by striking , except that and all that follows and inserting a period.
(b)
Use of site under the jurisdiction of another Federal agency
Section 107(b) of division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 80t–5(b) ) is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Site under the jurisdiction of another Federal agency
(1)
Notification to other agency or entity
The Board of Regents shall not designate a site for the Museum that is under the administrative jurisdiction of another Federal agency or entity without first notifying the head of the Federal agency or entity.
(2)
Notification to Committees
Once notified under paragraph (1), the head of the Federal agency or entity shall promptly submit written notification to the Chair and ranking minority members of the Committee on Rules and Administration, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on House Administration, the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, stating that the Federal agency or entity was notified by the Board of Regents that a site under its jurisdiction was designated and that a transfer will be initiated as soon as practicable.
(3)
Transfer
As soon as practicable after the date on which the individuals described in paragraph (2) receive the written notification described in such subparagraph, the head of the Federal agency or entity shall transfer to the Smithsonian Institution its administrative jurisdiction over the land or structure that has been designated as the site for the Museum.
.
(c)
Ensuring diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences
Section 104(b)(4) of division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 80t–2(b)(4) ) is amended to read as follows:
(4)
Ensuring diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences
(A)
In general
The Council shall ensure that the exhibits and programs of the Museum accurately and comprehensively represent the varied cultures, histories, events, and values held by women in the United States.
(B)
Specific requirements
In carrying out its duties, the Council shall ensure that it seeks and utilizes to its maximum ability 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 shall seek such guidance for both the creation and substantial revision of exhibits and programs.
(C)
Definitions
In this subparagraph—
(i)
the term broad array means a range of experts and publications that represent the broad spectrum of communities of women, to include varied viewpoints, political ideologies, cultures, and lived experiences in the United States; and
(ii)
the term knowledgeable and respected source means an individual who has gained through education, publication, or witnessing an important or historical event, the ability to advise on at least one unique viewpoint or experience of a particular community of women in the United States, and whose knowledge has been relied upon by a notable segment of that community for education, heritage preservation, or historical purposes, and includes the work of such an individual which reflects such ability and knowledge.
.
(d)
Reports to Congress
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of the Smithsonian shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, a report on actions taken by the Director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and the Council of the Museum to comply with the requirements of the amendments made by subsection (c), including a description of actions taken with respect to substantial revisions of current exhibits and programs as well the planning of future exhibits and programs.
(e)
Effective date
This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of title I of division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ( 20 U.S.C. 80t et seq. ).

Tracker

The tracker indicates the progress of this legislation as it moves through the legislative process.

  1. Introduced2025-02-13
  2. Failed in House2026-05-21
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Conference
  5. To President
  6. Became Law

CRS Summary

The summaries are the Congressional Research Service’s, one per stage. Read them in full.

Reported to House Apr 23, 2026

hb1329/reported-to-house.md

Shown Here:
Reported to House (04/23/2026)

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.

Sponsors

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R) sponsors H.R. 1329, and 232 members have co-sponsored it, 76 of them from the day it was introduced; 1 has since withdrawn.

Committees

H.R. 1329 went before 3 committees: Natural Resources, Committee on House Administration and Federal Lands Subcommittee.

Natural Resources
Natural Resources
Discharged From · Apr 23, 2026 · 395 Bills
Committee on House Administration
Committee on House Administration
Reported By · Apr 23, 2026 · 196 Bills
Federal Lands Subcommittee
Federal Lands Subcommittee
Hearings By (subcommittee) · Feb 10, 2026 · 34 Bills

Reports

1 committee report has been filed on H.R. 1329, the latest H. Rept. 119-621.

Actions

H.R. 1329 has taken 24 actions since Feb 13, 2025, the latest on May 21, 2026.

ChamberAction
May 21, 202613:18
House
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1300. (consideration: CR H3692-3699; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3692-3693)
May 21, 202613:18
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.
May 21, 202613:20
House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1329.
May 21, 202614:13
House
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
May 21, 202614:13
House
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 1329 is postponed.

Votes

H.R. 1329 went to 2 roll calls in the House, the latest on May 21, 2026 at 204216.

ChamberQuestion
Yea
Nay
May 21, 2026
House
On Passage
204
216
May 21, 2026
House
On Motion to Recommit
209
209

Amendments

1 amendment has been offered to H.R. 1329, the latest acted on May 21, 2026.

2 bills are related to H.R. 1329.

Titles

H.R. 1329 goes by 4 titles, 2 of them short titles.

  • Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act — Display Title
  • To permit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, and for other purposes. — Official Title as Introduced
  • Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act — Short Title(s) as Reported to House
  • Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act — Short Title(s) as Introduced

Lobbying

3 clients hired 3 firms and 39 registered lobbyists who named H.R. 1329 in 3 quarterly filings, 2026. Reported under the Lobbying Disclosure Act; a filing’s income covers everything its registrant worked that quarter, so the amounts below are the filings’, not this bill’s.

Filed under Civil Rights/Civil Liberties, Defense, Education, Family issues/Abortion/Adoption, Health Issues, Immigration, Taxation/Internal Revenue Code, Budget/Appropriations.

Clients

Who paid to be heard, by how many filings named the bill.

ClientBusinessStateFirmsFilingsReported
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNIONDistrict of Columbia11
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNDistrict of Columbia11
NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER ACTION FUNDsocial welfare organization to promote equal rights and opportunities for womenDistrict of Columbia11

Firms

Registrants who filed on the bill, by filings.

Lobbyists

Named on the filings that cite the bill. The 20 named most often, of 39.

Filings

The documents themselves, on the Senate’s Lobbying Disclosure site, largest reported first.

ClientRegistrantPeriodReportedDocument
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNIONAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION2026 second_quarter$670K2nd Quarter - Report
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNHUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN2026 second_quarter$223.7K2nd Quarter - Report
NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER ACTION FUNDNATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER ACTION FUND2026 second_quarter$75K2nd Quarter - Report

Classification

The Congressional Research Service files H.R. 1329 under Arts, Culture, Religion, one of its 31 policy areas, and gives it 5 legislative subjects.

CRS Subjects

CRS assigns every bill one policy area from its 31; H.R. 1329’s is Arts, Culture, Religion.

hr1329/policy-areas.txt
Arts, Culture, ReligionAgriculture and FoodAnimalsArmed Forces and National SecurityCivil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesCommerceCongressCrime and Law EnforcementEconomics and Public FinanceEducationEmergency ManagementEnergyEnvironmental ProtectionFamiliesFinance and Financial SectorForeign Trade and International FinanceGovernment Operations and PoliticsHealthHousing and Community DevelopmentImmigrationInternational AffairsLabor and EmploymentLawNative AmericansPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesScience, Technology, CommunicationsSocial WelfareSports and RecreationTaxationTransportation and Public WorksWater Resources Development

Legislative Subjects

H.R. 1329 carries 5 of CRS’s legislative subjects, from Congressional oversight to U.S. history.

hr1329/subjects.txt
Congressional oversightGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersSmithsonian InstitutionU.S. history

Constitutional authority

The clause the sponsor cites as Congress’s power to enact H.R. 1329, as entered in the Congressional Record.

[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)][House]From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]By Ms. MALLIOTAKIS:H.R. 1329.Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuantto the following:Article I Section 8 of the United States Constitution[Page H711]

Source: congress.gov · legiscan.com