Bipartisan Group of Congresswomen Call for Funding of Long-Awaited Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum

WASHINGTON, DC – Monday July 21, Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Republican Women’s Caucus Chair Kat Cammack (FL-03), Democratic Women’s Caucus Vice Chairs Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary J. Scholten (MI-03), Republican Women’s Caucus Member Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Democratic Women’s Caucus Reproductive Health Care Task Force Co-Chair and Liaison Judy Chu (CA-28), and Democratic Women’s Caucus Member Janelle S. Bynum (OR-05) sent a joint letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro urging the Committee to fully fund the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2026 federal funding bill, expected to be voted on by the Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.

The letter highlights the overwhelming bipartisan support for the museum’s authorization, which was previously approved by the House, and calls for the necessary funding to bring the project to life and ensure its long-term success. 

“We need to approve the funding to turn it into reality. It’s time that women’s contributions to our great nation’s history receive the recognition they deserve,” wrote the Members. “The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum will give the public powerful access to the trailblazing women and untold stories that have shaped our nation.” 

The letter explained that fewer than a quarter of Americans could name a historical woman figure, compared to three-quarters who could name a man, and only 6% of U.S. monuments commemorate women.

“The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, like the National Museum of the American Latino, would address these critical gaps in our national story, and Congress should not deny this critical public resource the full funding it needs,” The Members explained.

The Members emphasized that federal investment is essential to fulfilling the museum’s mission and urged the Committee to prioritize full funding for the project in the FY2026 appropriations process.

“We must prioritize projects that tell the stories of our contributions to society to honor the incredible women of the past and inspire changemakers of the future," concluded the Members.

You can read the full letter here.