Committee Passes Malliotakis’ Women’s Museum Bill Along Party Lines

March 18, 2026

(WASHINGTON, DC) — Today, the Committee on House Administration passed along party lines, 7 Republicans to 4 Democrats, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis' legislation, H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act, which would transfer federal land to build the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum on the National Mall.

"We are pleased to see my legislation which would transfer federal land to build the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum on the National Mall advance today out of the Committee on House Administration. However, it's unfortunate that, despite having more than 230 bipartisan cosponsors and the support of President Trump, this legislation passed out of Committee (7-4) along party lines, with the Democrats opposing it, simply because language was added via amendment by Rep. Mary Miller to ensure the museum exhibits only biological women.

Following the legislative hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources, clarifying language was added to address issues raised to:

Make clear that only biological women can be exhibited.
Specify the site selected by the Women’s Museum Advisory Council, while allowing the President the discretion to change the location within 180 days if issues arise.

These were reasonable requests that should have been supported in a bipartisan manner, but I am disappointed they were not. Nonetheless, the bill passed out of the Committee on House Administration, and I'm optimistic and hopeful that the House will pass this legislation swiftly during this Women's History Month."