WASHINGTON – The Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act, which will establish a brand new women’s history museum on the Mall in Washington, as a part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Museum will showcase the invaluable contributions women have made to the United States throughout its history in every professional field and sector of society.

The 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans of the Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Tom Reed (NY-23), have come together to formally endorse the bill, introduced in the House by Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and led in the Problem Solvers Caucus by Susie Lee (NV-3) and Mr. Fitzpatrick. 

H.R. 1980 currently has more than 275 cosponsors. Companion legislation, S. 959, has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Dianne Feinstein (CA).

“I’m incredibly proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus has come together in support of this important legislation.  It is high time that the critical history and work of women are fully recognized, promoted, exhibited, and celebrated within one of our country’s most important cultural institutions,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer.

Rep. Tom Reed said, “As the youngest of 12, raised by a single mother after my father died when I was 2, I understand and care about the power women have had and continue to hold on shaping our nation. The Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act will memorialize generations of brave and intelligent women who deserve a fair shot at being recognized in American history. I am pleased to see the Problem Solvers Caucus formally endorse this future Washington, D.C. landmark.”

“It is astonishing how hard it is to get things done for women in Washington, DC. It took nearly 20 years to pass a bill just to create a Congressional Commission to study whether a museum should be built. That bipartisan Commission unanimously concluded that the country wants, needs and deserves a women’s history museum. I thank the Problem Solvers Caucus for its endorsement and support, and am proud to say that the bill already has more than 275 bipartisan cosponsors. There is no reason this bill should not be supported by every member of the House and Senate. Women are half the population. This is not about politics or partisanship. This is about giving women – all women – their rightful place in history,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney.

“Women’s contributions to the development of our nation and society are immense, however only five percent of the approximately 2,400 national monuments honor women. As the first museum in the United States dedicated to the full story of women’s history, this museum will tell the diverse story of the women who helped shape America,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “It is time for Congress to authorize the creation of a National Women’s History Museum and I’m proud to stand with the Problem Solvers Caucus in support of this bipartisan legislation.”

“I entered office as part of the largest class of women to ever be elected to Congress and there’s no better time than during this Congress to pass the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act and celebrate the accomplishments of half of this country’s population,” said Rep. Susie Lee. “Every American should learn the complete story and the integral role women have played in shaping our country.”

“I am proud to honor all the strong women who helped build our nation by supporting the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act,” Rep. Elaine Luria said. “This museum will serve as a physical reminder of the invaluable contributions that women have made to America and to our culture.”

The Caucus is hopeful H.R. 1980 will be brought to the House floor for a vote soon.  

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 48 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).

 

###