SAWHM Act (H.R. 1329)

Summary

Allows the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be built on the National Mall and adds rules about its mission and exhibits.

What problem does this solve?

The original law for the museum did not allow it to be built on the most central part of the National Mall. This bill picks a specific spot on the Mall for the museum and adds new rules for its exhibits and purpose.

What does this bill do?

Sets museum location on the National Mall

Names the 'South Monument site' on the National Mall as the location for the museum, near 14th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW.

Restricts museum's mission to 'biological women'

States the museum must focus on the history and experiences of 'biological women' and is not allowed to show any 'biological male as a female.'

Requires diverse political viewpoints in exhibits

Makes the museum's council ensure that exhibits and programs show an equal representation of the different political views and experiences of women in the U.S.

Allows the President to choose a different site

Gives the President 180 days from the date the bill becomes law to pick a different location for the museum.

Requires reports to Congress

Makes the Secretary of the Smithsonian report to Congress every two years on how the museum is following the new rules about its mission and political diversity.

Requires Smithsonian to pay for costs

Makes the Smithsonian Institution pay back any government agency for costs related to the museum's approval process within 60 days.

Who does this affect?

Women in the United States
The Smithsonian Institution
Visitors to the National Mall

What is the real world impact?

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Secures a prominent location for the museum

Places the museum on the National Mall, a highly visible and important location, ensuring the story of American women receives a central place in the nation's capital.

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Restricts the definition of 'woman'

Limits the museum's focus to 'biological women' and bans it from showing 'any biological male as a female.' This change introduces a controversial and specific viewpoint on gender identity into the museum's mission.

When does this start?

The changes in this bill are effective as if they were part of the original 2021 law that created the museum, and it sets a deadline for the President.

Presidential site designation

The President has 180 days after this bill becomes law to choose a different site for the museum.