A Democratic bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and 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 African American History Act of 2026 authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to support various history education programs. The bill allows for the development of resources, scholarly work, and professional development for educators. It also includes provisions for digital content, website maintenance, and translation of museum work. The Director is empowered to engage with the public and various educational institutions through these initiatives. Additionally, the act mandates annual reports to Congress and periodic briefings to specific committees.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +8
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill specifically funds the preservation and education of African American history and culture.
- Scored +7
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The bill promotes racial equity by funding educational resources and programs centered on African American history.
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
The bill provides for digital resources and educational tools designed for students.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Educational Access: The Director can develop and make available accurate and accessible resources, including digital, print, and traveling exhibitions, to promote the understanding of African American history (Section 3(a)(1)).
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Professional Development for Educators: The bill allows for teacher trainings, workshops, and a teacher fellowship program to support leaders in African American history education (Section 3(a)(7)(B)).
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Increased Curriculum Integration: The act encourages engagement with State and local education leaders to help adopt these resources into curricula across diverse disciplines (Section 3(a)(7)(C)).
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Digital Learning Opportunities: The Director can develop and maintain website content specifically designated for educators, students, and families to improve their understanding of history (Section 3(b)(1)).
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Expanded Collection Access: The bill supports expanding collection acquisition and access through staffing, conservation, and digitization (Section 3(a)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are mentioned in the provided text.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically funds the preservation and education of African American history and culture. Would students be better off under this? — The bill provides for digital resources and educational tools designed for students. Would children be better off under this? — The bill includes resources intended for use in early childhood and elementary education. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The sense of Congress mentions supporting the teaching of Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The sense of Congress mentions supporting the teaching of Hispanic and Latino history. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The sense of Congress mentions supporting the teaching of Native American history. Would women be better off under this? — The sense of Congress encourages support for the forthcoming Smithsonian American Women's History Museum.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill funds educational resources and professional development that can be utilized in public schools. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes funding for scholarly research related to African American history.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill promotes racial equity by funding educational resources and programs centered on African American history.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual reports to Congress and makes them available to the public.
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/2/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland