House Rejects Amended Bill for Smithsonian American Women's History Museum

The House of Representatives voted 216 to 204 on Thursday to reject legislation that would advance construction of the Smithsonian's American Women's History Museum. Democrats withdrew support after Republicans added an amendment stating that the museum may not identify, present, describe, or otherwise depict any biological male as female.

The amended bill also directs the museum to be dedicated to preserving, researching, and presenting the history, achievements, and lived experiences of biological women in the United States.

Legislative History Republican New York Rep.

Nicole Malliotakis introduced the bill in February 2025. The Committee on House Administration passed the legislation in March with a 7-4 vote along party lines. New language added to the bill requires museum exhibits and programs to represent the diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences of American women.

A March press release from Malliotakis stated that Democrats opposed the bill after the amendment was added by Republican Illinois Rep. Mary Miller.

The Democratic Women's Caucus announced opposition to the amended bill on Monday. Democratic Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico, Hillary Scholten of Michigan, and Emilia Sykes of Ohio said in a statement that Republicans changed the bill without warning and threw away years of bipartisan work.

The statement said the amended bill gives unregulated power over content, which women can be included, and the museum's location. Minority Whip Katherine Clark was observed speaking with Malliotakis and Majority House Leader Steve Scalise about the legislation on Thursday.