Bill · H.R. 10527· House(119-HR-10527)
Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/21/2026
- Last activity
- 9/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Sponsored by
- Melanie Stansbury
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- 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
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill mandates that interference attempts be reported and Congress notified within thirty days.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+6
The bill prevents government officials from compelling specific viewpoints or suppressing controversial historical topics.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+5
By preventing political suppression of difficult historical truths, the bill protects exhibits addressing racial injustices and diverse communities.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-3
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+6Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- 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