I Voted Yes on H.R. 863, to establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women’s History Museum Act.

While our nation’s capital boasts dozens of museums, there is yet to be a collection designated to the significant role women have played in shaping the economic, political, and cultural history of our country.  This bipartisan, cost-free legislation would establish an unpaid 8-member Commission to study the possible establishment of a National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C.

The Commission would be tasked with submitting a report to Congress and the president within 18 months detailing a potential location for such a museum, the availability and cost of collections to be displayed, associated costs of construction and maintenance, and recommend an organizational structure, best practices, and a fundraising plan so the museum may operate self-sufficiently without requiring any federal funding.  The Commission itself would rely on gifts and contributions for any related expenses; no federal funding would be allotted for the operation of this study.

Individuals and organizations in our communities have been expressing the desire for the creation of a National Women’s History Museum for almost a decade.  I believe an organized effort conducted by dedicated individuals with expertise in museum design, planning and administration will help lead to a detailed report on whether or not such a project should commence in our nation’s capital.

The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 383 – 33.