The Committee on House Administration passed Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis’ legislation, H.R. 1329, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act, by a vote of 7 Republicans to 4 Democrats on Mar. 18. The bill would transfer federal land to build the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum on the National Mall.
The legislation is significant as it aims to establish a museum dedicated to women’s history in a prominent location. However, debate arose over an amendment specifying that only biological women could be exhibited, which led to party-line voting.
“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,” Malliotakis said.
Following a legislative hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources, clarifying language was added to address concerns about who could be featured in museum exhibits and about site selection. The new provisions specify that only biological women can be exhibited and allow for presidential discretion regarding museum location within 180 days if issues arise.
Malliotakis said these changes were reasonable and should have received bipartisan support but expressed disappointment they did 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,” she said.
Malliotakis has represented New York’s 11th district since replacing Max Rose in 2021 according to her official biography. She previously served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 until her election to Congress as reported by Ballotpedia. Born in New York City in 1980 and currently residing in Staten Island according to Congress.gov, Malliotakis holds degrees from Seton Hall University and Wagner College.
