Bill · S. 2385· Senate(119-S-2385)
Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act
- Introduced
- 7/22/2025
- Last activity
- 12/9/2025 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-238.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Banks
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act" aims to codify Executive Order 14253, which focuses on restoring historical sites and museums to reflect what the bill's authors consider a more accurate and uplifting portrayal of American history. The bill seeks to remove content that divides Americans based on race or promotes ideologies inconsistent with federal law, while also celebrating American achievements. It also addresses concerns about the depiction of gender in museums, particularly regarding women's sports.
Yes
Would white Americans be better off under this?+2
The bill could promote a more positive and uplifting view of American history, potentially appealing to some White Americans.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill seeks to codify an executive order, increasing federal oversight of historical sites and museums.
The opposite· 3 of 13
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?-5
The bill's restrictions on gender representation and recognition of men as women could negatively impact the LGBTQ community.
Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?-5
The bill restricts how the American Women's History Museum can depict gender, negatively impacting transgender individuals.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?-4
The bill's focus on removing content that divides Americans based on race could suppress narratives about racial inequality.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Restoration of Historical Sites: Section 2(d) provides for sufficient funding to improve the infrastructure of Independence National Historical Park by July 4, 2026. This could enhance the experience for visitors and preserve a significant historical site.
-
Focus on American Achievements: Section 2(e)(3)(B) aims to ensure that public monuments and memorials focus on the greatness of American achievements and progress. This could promote a sense of national pride and unity.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Museum Content: Section 2(c)(1)(A) directs the Vice President to seek the removal of anything from Smithsonian properties that violates the policy of the Act or divides Americans based on race. This could lead to censorship and the suppression of diverse perspectives on American history, especially for exhibits focusing on race and social justice.
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Limitations on Gender Representation: Section 2(c)(2)(B) restricts how the American Women's History Museum can depict gender, specifically prohibiting the recognition of men as women. This could negatively impact transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and limit the museum's ability to accurately represent diverse experiences.
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Subjective Interpretation of History: The bill's focus on "restoring truth and sanity" to American history, as outlined in Section 2(b), could lead to a biased and incomplete portrayal of the past. This could result in the exclusion of important historical narratives and perspectives, particularly those that challenge dominant narratives or address systemic inequalities.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For White Americans+2Good For L G B T Q Community-5Good For African Americans-4Good For Children-2Good For Hispanic Americans-2Good For Native Americans-2Good For Students-2Good For Women-2Good For Young Adults-2Good For Asian Americans-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves L G B T Q Rights-5Improves Racial Equity-4Improves Gender Equality-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Freedom Of Speech-3
- 12/9/2025
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-238.
- 7/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 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.
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa