Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amended bill. I was a proud cosponsor of the bill, as introduced. Yet, instead of moving the bipartisan text, Republicans have hijacked this bill to give President Trump complete and total authority over the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum's location. Contrary to what Congresswoman Malliotakis has asserted, he does have loyalists who have power over the museum's design. He does have loyalists on the commission, which will determine the museum's design.

The museum was supposed to be a celebration of every American woman's contribution, but, of course, Republicans couldn't help themselves from adding text that would prohibit trans women from being included in the museum. This is really a harmful provision that will undoubtedly lead many conservatives to challenge the inclusion of any woman they deem not feminine enough.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this bill and pass the original bipartisan bill with the National Museum of the American Latino.

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