[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 959 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 599
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 959
To establish in the Smithsonian Institution a comprehensive women's
history museum, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 28, 2019
Ms. Collins (for herself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mrs. Capito, Ms. Klobuchar,
Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. McSally, Ms. Duckworth, Mrs.
Fischer, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Warren, Mr. Brown, Ms.
Baldwin, and Mr. Wicker) introduced the following bill; which was read
twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration
December 3, 2020
Reported by Mr. Blunt, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish in the Smithsonian Institution a comprehensive women's
history museum, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Smithsonian American
Women's History Museum Act''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. FINDINGS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Congress finds the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Since its founding, the United States has
greatly benefitted from the contributions of women.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Historical accounts, monuments, memorials, and
museums disproportionately represent men's achievements and
contributions and often neglect those of women. For example--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) a study of 18 United States history
textbooks concluded that 10 percent of the material
documented contributions of women;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) 9 statues out of 91 in the United
States Capitol's National Statuary Hall depict women;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) only one of the 44 monuments operated
by the National Park Service specifically honors the
achievements of women after the 2016 designation of the
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National
Monument.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) There exists no national museum in the United
States that is devoted to the documentation of women's
contributions throughout the Nation's history.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) On December 19, 2014, Congress created a
Congressional Commission to study the potential for an American
museum of women's history. The bipartisan Commission
unanimously concluded that the United States needs and deserves
a physical national museum dedicated to showcasing the
historical experiences and impact of women in the United
States.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) A comprehensive women's history museum would
document the full spectrum of the experiences of women in the
United States, represent a diverse range of viewpoints,
experiences, and backgrounds, more accurately depict the
history of the United States, and add value to the Smithsonian
Institution.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) The collections, exhibits, historical
narrative materials, and museum programming of the women's
history museum should be inclusive, comprehensive, and
innovative. Such collections, exhibits, materials, and
programming should present the diverse range of experiences and
viewpoints of all women in the United States, reflecting upon
the things that set women apart from one another while also
highlighting the experiences that many of these women
share.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSEUM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--There is established within the
Smithsonian Institution a comprehensive women's history museum, to be
named by the Board of Regents in consultation with the council
established under section 4 (referred to in this Act as the
``Museum'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Museum established under
this section shall be to provide for--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) the collection and study of, and the
establishment of programs relating to, women's contributions to
various fields and throughout different periods of history that
have influenced the direction of the United States;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) collaboration with other Smithsonian
Institution museums and facilities, outside museums, and
educational institutions; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) the creation of exhibitions and programs that
recognize diverse perspectives on women's history and
contributions.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 4. COUNCIL.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--There is established within the
Smithsonian Institution a council to carry out the duties set forth
under subsection (b) and other provisions of this Act (referred to in
this section as the ``Council'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Duties.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Council established under
this section shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) make recommendations to the Board of
Regents concerning the planning, design, and
construction of the Museum;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) advise and assist the Board of Regents
on all matters relating to the administration,
operation, maintenance, and preservation of the
Museum;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) recommend annual operating budgets for
the Museum to the Board of Regents;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) report annually to the Board of
Regents on the acquisition, disposition, and display of
objects relating to women's art, history, and culture;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) adopt bylaws for the operation of the
Council.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Principal responsibilities.--The Council,
subject to the general policies of the Board of Regents, shall
have sole authority to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) purchase, accept, borrow, and
otherwise acquire artifacts for addition to the
collections of the Museum;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) loan, exchange, sell, and otherwise
dispose of any part of the collections of the Museum,
but only if the funds generated by that disposition are
used for additions to the collections of the Museum;
or</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) specify criteria with respect to the
use of the collections and resources of the Museum,
including policies on programming, education,
exhibitions, and research with respect to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) the life, art, history, and
culture of women;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) the role of women in the
history of the United States; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) the contributions of women
to society.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Other responsibilities.--The Council, subject
to the general policies of the Board of Regents, shall have
authority--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to provide for preservation,
restoration, and maintenance of the collections of the
Museum; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to solicit, accept, use, and dispose
of gifts, bequests, and devises of personal property
for the purpose of aiding and facilitating the work of
the Museum.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Composition and Appointment.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Council shall be composed of
25 voting members as provided under paragraph (2).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Voting members.--The Council shall include the
following voting members:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) The Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) One member of the Board of Regents,
appointed by the Board of Regents.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Twenty-three individuals appointed by
the Board or Regents. In appointing members under this
subparagraph, the Board of Regents should give special
consideration to appointing--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) members of the Congressional
Commission;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) board members of the National
Women's History Museum, a nonprofit,
educational organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
that was incorporated in 1996 in the District
of Columbia and that is dedicated for the
purpose of establishing a women's history
museum; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) scholars and representatives
of organizations that are committed to the
study of women's history.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Initial appointments.--The Board of Regents
shall make initial appointments to the Council under paragraph
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Terms.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Except as provided in this
subsection, each appointed member of the Council shall be
appointed for a term of 3 years.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Initial appointees.--As designated by the
Board of Regents at the time of appointment, of the voting
members first appointed under subparagraph (C) of subsection
(c)(2)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) 8 members shall be appointed for a
term of 1 year;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) 8 members shall be appointed for a
term of 2 years; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) 7 members shall be appointed for a
term of 3 years.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Reappointment.--A member of the Council may be
reappointed, except that no individual may serve on the Council
for a total of more than 2 terms. For purposes of this
paragraph, the number of terms an individual serves on the
Council shall not include any portion of a term for which an
individual is appointed to fill a vacancy under paragraph
(4)(B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Vacancies.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--A vacancy on the
Council--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) shall not affect the powers of
the Council; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) shall be filled in the same
manner as the original appointment was
made.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Term.--Any member of the Council
appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the
expiration of the term for which the member's
predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the
remainder of that term.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Compensation.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph
(2), a member of the Council shall serve without pay.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Council
shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from
the home or regular place of business of the member in the
performance of the duties of the Council.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Chairperson.--By a majority vote of its voting
members, the Council shall elect a chairperson from its
members.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Meetings.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Council shall meet at the
call of the chairperson or on the written request of a majority
of the voting members of the Council, but not fewer than twice
each year.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Initial meetings.--During the 1-year period
beginning on the date of the first meeting of the Council, the
Council shall meet not fewer than 4 times for the purpose of
carrying out the duties of the Council under this
Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (h) Quorum.--A majority of the voting members of the
Council holding office shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of
conducting business, but a lesser number may receive information on
behalf of the Council.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF THE MUSEUM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Director.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Museum shall have a Director
who shall be appointed by the Secretary, taking into
consideration individuals recommended by the council
established under section 4.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Duties.--The Director shall manage the Museum
subject to the policies of the Board of Regents.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Staff.--The Secretary may appoint 2 additional
employees to serve under the Director, except that such additional
employees may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5,
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive
service.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Pay.--The employees appointed by the Secretary under
subsection (b) may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code,
relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay
rates.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 6. EDUCATIONAL AND LIAISON PROGRAMS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Programs Authorized.--The Director of the Museum may
carry out educational and liaison programs in support of the goals of
the Museum.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Collaboration With Schools.--In carrying out this
section, the Director shall carry out educational programs in
collaboration with elementary schools, secondary schools, and
postsecondary schools.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 7. BUILDING.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Location.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Board
of Regents shall designate a site for the
Museum.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Sites for consideration.--In
designating a site under subparagraph (A), the Board of
Regents shall select from among the following sites in
the District of Columbia:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) The site known as the ``South
Monument site'', located on the National Mall
and bordered by 14th Street Northwest,
Jefferson Drive Southwest, Raoul Wallenberg
Place Southwest, and Independence Ave
Southwest.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) The Northwest United States
Capitol site, bordered by 3rd Street Northwest,
Constitution Avenue Northwest, 1st Street
Northwest, and Pennsylvania Ave
Northwest.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) Any other appropriate
location as identified by the Board of Regents
in consultation with the council established
under section 4.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Availability of site.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--The sites
described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
subparagraph (B) shall remain available until
the date on which the Board of Regents
designates a site for the Museum under
subparagraph (A).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Transfer to smithsonian
institution.--If the site designated for the
Museum is in an area that is under the
administrative jurisdiction of a Federal
agency, as soon as practicable after the date
on which the designation is made, the head of
the Federal agency shall transfer to the
Smithsonian Institution administrative
jurisdiction over the area.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) Factors considered.--In designating a
site under subparagraph (A), the Board of Regents shall
take into consideration each of the following
factors:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) An estimate of the costs
associated with each potential site.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) An assessment of the
suitability of the space of each potential
site, including size, proximity to other
buildings and transportation, and other
external environmental conditions, as
appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) The recommendations of the
Congressional Commission.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (E) Consultation.--The Board of Regents
shall carry out its duties under this paragraph in
consultation with each of the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) The Chair of the National
Capital Planning Commission.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) The Chair of the Commission
on Fine Arts.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) The Chair of the
Congressional Commission.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) The chair and ranking
minority member of each of the following
Committees:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) The Committee on Rules
and Administration of the
Senate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) The Committee on
House Administration of the House of
Representatives.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) The Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (IV) The Committee on
Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (V) The Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (F) Priority.--In designating a site under
subparagraph (A), the Board of Regents shall give
priority to a site which is on or near the National
Mall.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Construction of Building.--The Board of Regents, in
consultation with the council established under section 4, may plan,
design, and construct a building for the Museum, which shall be located
at the site designated by the Board of Regents under subsection
(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Nonapplicability of Provisions Relating to Monuments
and Commemorative Works.--Chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code,
shall not apply with respect to the Museum.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Cost Sharing.--The Board of Regents shall pay--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this
section from Federal funds; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this
section from non-Federal sources.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> In this Act, the following definitions apply:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) The term ``Board of Regents'' means the Board
of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) The term ``Congressional Commission'' means
the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National
Women's History Museum, established under section 3056 of the
Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015
(Public Law 113-291; 127 Stat. 3810).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Smithsonian Institution to carry out this Act, including the
planning, design, construction, and operation of the Museum established
under section 3, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020 and
each succeeding fiscal year.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization under this section shall remain available until
expended.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Use of Funds for Fundraising.--Amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization under this section may be used to conduct
fundraising in support of the Museum from private sources.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Smithsonian American Women's History
Museum Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Since its founding, the United States has greatly
benefitted from the contributions of women.
(2) Historical accounts, monuments, memorials, and museums
disproportionately represent men's achievements and
contributions and often neglect those of women. For example--
(A) a study of 18 United States history textbooks
concluded that 10 percent of the material documented
contributions of women;
(B) 9 statues out of 91 in the United States
Capitol's National Statuary Hall depict women; and
(C) only one of the 44 monuments operated by the
National Park Service specifically honors the
achievements of women after the 2016 designation of the
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument.
(3) There exists no national museum in the United States
that is devoted to the documentation of women's contributions
throughout the Nation's history.
(4) On December 19, 2014, Congress created a Congressional
Commission to study the potential for an American museum of
women's history. The bipartisan Commission unanimously
concluded that the United States needs and deserves a physical
national museum dedicated to showcasing the historical
experiences and impact of women in the United States.
(5) A comprehensive women's history museum would document
the full spectrum of the experiences of women in the United
States, represent a diverse range of viewpoints, experiences,
and backgrounds, more accurately depict the history of the
United States, and add value to the Smithsonian Institution.
(6) The collections, exhibits, historical narrative
materials, and museum programming of the women's history museum
should be inclusive, comprehensive, and innovative. Such
collections, exhibits, materials, and programming should
present the diverse range of experiences and viewpoints of all
women in the United States, reflecting upon the things that set
women apart from one another while also highlighting the
experiences that many of these women share.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSEUM.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Smithsonian
Institution a comprehensive women's history museum, to be named by the
Board of Regents in consultation with the council established under
section 4 (referred to in this Act as the ``Museum'').
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Museum established under this
section shall be to provide for--
(1) the collection and study of, and the establishment of
programs relating to, women's contributions to various fields
and throughout different periods of history that have
influenced the direction of the United States;
(2) collaboration with other Smithsonian Institution
museums and facilities, outside museums, and educational
institutions; and
(3) the creation of exhibitions and programs that recognize
diverse perspectives on women's history and contributions.
SEC. 4. COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Smithsonian
Institution a council to carry out the duties set forth under
subsection (b) and other provisions of this Act (referred to in this
section as the ``Council'').
(b) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Council established under this section
shall--
(A) make recommendations to the Board of Regents
concerning the planning, design, and construction of
the Museum;
(B) advise and assist the Board of Regents on all
matters relating to the administration, operation,
maintenance, and preservation of the Museum;
(C) recommend annual operating budgets for the
Museum to the Board of Regents;
(D) report annually to the Board of Regents on the
acquisition, disposition, and display of objects
relating to women's art, history, and culture; and
(E) adopt bylaws for the operation of the Council.
(2) Principal responsibilities.--The Council, subject to
the general policies of the Board of Regents, shall have sole
authority to--
(A) purchase, accept, borrow, and otherwise acquire
artifacts for addition to the collections of the
Museum;
(B) loan, exchange, sell, and otherwise dispose of
any part of the collections of the Museum, but only if
the funds generated by that disposition are used for
additions to the collections of the Museum; or
(C) specify criteria with respect to the use of the
collections and resources of the Museum, including
policies on programming, education, exhibitions, and
research with respect to--
(i) the life, art, history, and culture of
women;
(ii) the role of women in the history of
the United States; and
(iii) the contributions of women to
society.
(3) Other responsibilities.--The Council, subject to the
general policies of the Board of Regents, shall have
authority--
(A) to provide for preservation, restoration, and
maintenance of the collections of the Museum; and
(B) to solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts,
bequests, and devises of personal property for the
purpose of aiding and facilitating the work of the
Museum.
(4) Ensuring diversity of political viewpoints in exhibits
and programs.--In carrying out its duties, the Council shall
ensure that the exhibits and programs of the Museum reflect the
diversity of the political viewpoints held by women of the
United States on the events and issues relating to the history
of women in the United States.
(c) Composition and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Council shall be composed of 25 voting
members as provided under paragraph (2).
(2) Voting members.--The Council shall include the
following voting members:
(A) One member appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate.
(B) One member appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate.
(C) One member appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives.
(D) One member appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives.
(E) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
(F) One member of the Board of Regents, appointed
by the Board of Regents.
(G) Nineteen individuals appointed by the Board of
Regents. In appointing members under this subparagraph,
the Board of Regents should give special consideration
to appointing--
(i) members of the Congressional
Commission;
(ii) board members of the National Women's
History Museum, a nonprofit, educational
organization described in section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that was
incorporated in 1996 in the District of
Columbia and that is dedicated for the purpose
of establishing a women's history museum; and
(iii) scholars and representatives of
organizations that are committed to the study
of women's history.
(3) Initial appointments.--The Board of Regents shall make
initial appointments to the Council under paragraph (2) not
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(d) Terms.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in this subsection,
each appointed member of the Council shall be appointed for a
term of 3 years.
(2) Initial appointees.--As designated by the Board of
Regents at the time of appointment, of the voting members first
appointed under subparagraph (G) of subsection (c)(2)--
(A) 7 members shall be appointed for a term of 1
year;
(B) 6 members shall be appointed for a term of 2
years; and
(C) 6 members shall be appointed for a term of 3
years.
(3) Reappointment.--A member of the Council may be
reappointed, except that no individual may serve on the Council
for a total of more than 2 terms. For purposes of this
paragraph, the number of terms an individual serves on the
Council shall not include any portion of a term for which an
individual is appointed to fill a vacancy under paragraph
(4)(B).
(4) Vacancies.--
(A) In general.--A vacancy on the Council--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the
Council; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made.
(B) Term.--Any member of the Council appointed to
fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the
term for which the member's predecessor was appointed
shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.
(e) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
member of the Council shall serve without pay.
(2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Council shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of
the member in the performance of the duties of the Council.
(f) Chairperson.--By a majority vote of its voting members, the
Council shall elect a chairperson from its members.
(g) Meetings.--
(1) In general.--The Council shall meet at the call of the
chairperson or on the written request of a majority of the
voting members of the Council, but not fewer than twice each
year.
(2) Initial meetings.--During the 1-year period beginning
on the date of the first meeting of the Council, the Council
shall meet not fewer than 4 times for the purpose of carrying
out the duties of the Council under this Act.
(h) Quorum.--A majority of the voting members of the Council
holding office shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting
business, but a lesser number may receive information on behalf of the
Council.
SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF THE MUSEUM.
(a) Director.--
(1) In general.--The Museum shall have a Director who shall
be appointed by the Secretary, taking into consideration
individuals recommended by the council established under
section 4.
(2) Duties.--The Director shall manage the Museum subject
to the policies of the Board of Regents.
(b) Staff.--The Secretary may appoint 2 additional employees to
serve under the Director, except that such additional employees may be
appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service.
(c) Pay.--The employees appointed by the Secretary under subsection
(b) may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating
to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates.
SEC. 6. EDUCATIONAL AND LIAISON PROGRAMS.
(a) Programs Authorized.--The Director of the Museum may carry out
educational and liaison programs in support of the goals of the Museum.
(b) Collaboration With Schools.--In carrying out this section, the
Director shall carry out educational programs in collaboration with
elementary schools, secondary schools, and postsecondary schools.
SEC. 7. BUILDING.
(a) In General.--
(1) Location.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 24 months after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Board of Regents
shall designate a site for the Museum.
(B) Sites for consideration.--In designating a site
under subparagraph (A), the Board of Regents shall
select from among the following sites in the District
of Columbia:
(i) The site known as the ``South Monument
site'', located on the National Mall and
bordered by 14th Street Northwest, Jefferson
Drive Southwest, Raoul Wallenberg Place
Southwest, and Independence Ave Southwest.
(ii) The Northwest United States Capitol
site, bordered by 3rd Street Northwest,
Constitution Avenue Northwest, 1st Street
Northwest, and Pennsylvania Ave Northwest.
(iii) Any other appropriate location as
identified by the Board of Regents in
consultation with the council established under
section 4.
(C) Availability of site.--
(i) In general.--The sites described in
clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B) shall
remain available until the date on which the
Board of Regents designates a site for the
Museum under subparagraph (A).
(ii) Transfer to smithsonian institution.--
If the site designated for the Museum is in an
area that is under the administrative
jurisdiction of a Federal agency, as soon as
practicable after the date on which the
designation is made, the head of the Federal
agency shall transfer to the Smithsonian
Institution administrative jurisdiction over
the area.
(D) Factors considered.--In designating a site
under subparagraph (A), the Board of Regents shall take
into consideration each of the following factors:
(i) An estimate of the costs associated
with each potential site.
(ii) An assessment of the suitability of
the space of each potential site, including
size, proximity to other buildings and
transportation, and other external
environmental conditions, as appropriate.
(iii) The recommendations of the
Congressional Commission.
(E) Consultation.--The Board of Regents shall carry
out its duties under this paragraph in consultation
with each of the following:
(i) The Chair of the National Capital
Planning Commission.
(ii) The Chair of the Commission on Fine
Arts.
(iii) The Chair of the Congressional
Commission.
(iv) The chair and ranking minority member
of each of the following Committees:
(I) The Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate.
(II) The Committee on House
Administration of the House of
Representatives.
(III) The Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives.
(IV) The Committee on
Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(V) The Committee on Appropriations
of the Senate.
(F) Priority.--In designating a site under
subparagraph (A), the Board of Regents shall give
priority to a site which is on or near the National
Mall.
(b) Construction of Building.--The Board of Regents, in
consultation with the council established under section 4, may plan,
design, and construct a building for the Museum, which shall be located
at the site designated by the Board of Regents under subsection (a).
(c) Nonapplicability of Provisions Relating to Monuments and
Commemorative Works.--Chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, shall
not apply with respect to the Museum.
(d) Cost Sharing.--The Board of Regents shall pay--
(1) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this section
from Federal funds; and
(2) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this section
from non-Federal sources.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) The term ``Board of Regents'' means the Board of
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
(2) The term ``Congressional Commission'' means the
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National
Women's History Museum, established under section 3056 of the
Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015
(Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 3810).
(3) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Smithsonian Institution to carry out this Act, including the planning,
design, construction, and operation of the Museum established under
section 3, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020 and each
succeeding fiscal year.
(b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization under this section shall remain available until expended.
(c) Use of Funds for Fundraising.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to
the authorization under this section may be used to conduct fundraising
in support of the Museum from private sources.
Calendar No. 599
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 959
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A BILL
To establish in the Smithsonian Institution a comprehensive women's
history museum, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
December 3, 2020
Reported with an amendment