Contact Congress about S. 1303: Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum could be built in the protected Reserve area of the National Mall. The bill also tells the museum to include a wide range of women’s views and experiences. The Smithsonian would have to report to Congress on that work.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Latest action on S. 1303: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects the Smithsonian, the museum’s leaders, federal agencies that may control a possible site, and people who visit or study the museum. It could change where the museum is built and how visible it is to visitors. It could also affect how women’s history is researched, displayed, and updated over time.

Why this matters: The bill matters because it could put the women’s history museum in one of the most visited places in the country. That could affect how many people see it and how central women’s history feels on the National Mall. The bill could also shape the museum’s message by requiring broader viewpoints and regular reports to Congress. The exact effect on future exhibits is not clear from the bill alone.

Key provisions in S. 1303

• The museum could be built in the National Mall’s Reserve. That is the protected central area where new buildings are usually limited.
• The bill changes the 2021 law that authorized the museum. It removes earlier limits on putting the museum in the Reserve.
• The Smithsonian Board of Regents would have to notify a federal agency before choosing land that agency controls for the museum site.
• The agency head would have to quickly notify named House and Senate committees. This happens when agency-controlled land is chosen and a transfer will begin.
• The agency would have to transfer control of the chosen land or structure to the Smithsonian as soon as practical.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1303

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 1303

What is S. 1303?

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum could be built in the protected Reserve area of the National Mall. The bill also tells the museum to include a wide range of women’s views and experiences. The Smithsonian would have to report to Congress on that work.

How do I support or oppose S. 1303?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 1303?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 1303 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.