Melanie Stansbury (D-NM)
Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026 protects the independence of the Smithsonian Institution from political interference. The bill stops federal officials from forcing the Smithsonian to adopt specific political viewpoints or historical interpretations. It prevents officials from removing or changing exhibits just because they touch on controversial topics. It also bars officials from forcing the Smithsonian to endorse viewpoints as a condition for getting federal funding. Smithsonian employees must report any interference attempts to the Secretary, who must then notify Congress within thirty days.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates that interference attempts be reported and Congress notified within thirty days.
- Scored +6
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The bill prevents government officials from compelling specific viewpoints or suppressing controversial historical topics.
- Scored +5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
By preventing political suppression of difficult historical truths, the bill protects exhibits addressing racial injustices and diverse communities.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill restricts federal officials from exercising certain controls over the Smithsonian Institution.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protects historical accuracy and diverse histories: Section 3(a)(2) stops officials from removing or altering exhibits just because they discuss controversial or sensitive parts of history, which helps ensure the public gets an honest account of our past.
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Stops officials from playing politics with taxpayer-funded history: Section 3(a)(1) prevents federal officials from forcing the Smithsonian to adopt a certain historical view based purely on the official's political beliefs, keeping our elected leaders accountable to common sense rather than partisan agendas.
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Keeps funding fair: Section 3(a)(3) stops officials from using federal money as leverage to force the Smithsonian to endorse specific viewpoints, which protects the integrity of our cultural institutions.
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Ensures transparency and accountability: Sections 3(b) and 3(c) require Smithsonian staff to report interference attempts and mandate that Congress be notified within thirty days, letting us hold officials accountable if they try to meddle.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill prevents government officials from compelling specific viewpoints or suppressing controversial historical topics. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates that interference attempts be reported and Congress notified within thirty days. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill restricts federal officials from exercising certain controls over the Smithsonian Institution.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — By preventing political suppression of difficult historical truths, the bill protects exhibits addressing racial injustices and diverse communities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill protects the Smithsonian Institution and its scholars from political censorship and suppression of speech.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill safeguards scholarly independence and research publications at the Smithsonian from political interference.
- 9/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Jasmine CrockettDemocrat · Texas
Robert GarciaDemocrat · California
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Kweisi MfumeDemocrat · Maryland
Christian MenefeeDemocrat · Texas
Ayanna PressleyDemocrat · Massachusetts