Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026
Protects the Smithsonian from specified political interference and requires reporting of interference attempts.
In the House Administration Committee since Sept. 21, 2026, 17 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 21, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Museums face questions about how to interpret history while maintaining public trust. The bill would restrict specified efforts by federal officials to shape Smithsonian content for political reasons and require reporting of interference attempts. It would also require the Smithsonian Secretary to notify congressional committees about reports.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Bar specified political interference
Federal officials could not require the Smithsonian to adopt a historical interpretation based solely on the official’s political preferences, seek to remove or change material solely because it discusses a controversial or politically sensitive aspect of American history, or make federal funding conditional on adopting a viewpoint.
- Require reporting and congressional notice
Smithsonian employees, agents, and affiliated individuals would have to report prohibited actions, attempts, or threats under procedures set by the Smithsonian Secretary. The Secretary or a designee would have to notify the House and Senate committees named in the bill within 30 days after receiving a report.
The bill cites the importance of scholarly independence and professional standards to public trust, and says taxpayer-supported cultural institutions should present evidence-based accounts of the nation’s history. It also says officials have a role in oversight but should not direct historical conclusions or suppress scholarship for political reasons.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 21, 2026HOUSESEP 21, 2026By Rep. Stansbury with 6 original cosponsorsReferred to Administration
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 21, 2026ADMINISTRATION NOWSEP 21, 2026In committee for 17 daysNo hearing yet
- 17 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 212026SEP 21, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- SEP 212026SEP 21, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 17, this bill is already older than 5% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 5 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Stansbury’s record: sponsored 28 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Jasmine CrockettD-TX-30ORIGINAL
- Robert GarciaD-CA-42ORIGINAL
- Jonathan L. JacksonD-IL-1ORIGINAL
- Stephen F. LynchD-MA-8ORIGINAL
- Kweisi MfumeD-MD-7ORIGINAL
- Ayanna PressleyD-MA-7ORIGINAL
- Christian D. MenefeeD-TX-18SEP 24, 2026
What readers think
Discussion
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