National Women's History Bill Passes House

The US House of Representatives passed the National Women's History Museum act of 2009, which will authorize the construction of a National Women's History Museum near the National Mall in Washington DC. The move involves sale of federal property, which is why congressional approval is necessary, the National Women's History Museum reports.

Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), who sponsored the bill, said in a press release "From Louisa May Alcott to Kristi Yamaguchi, the story of what women have contributed to the American way of life is a story long overdue for the telling...House passage today is a recognition of that story. Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Pelosi--a trailblazer herself--and Chairman Oberstar and subcommittee Chair Norton, American women are one step closer to a long-overdue 'museum of our own'."

HR 1700 (see PDF) sets aside the land surrounded by 12th street, Independence Avenue, Maryland Avenue, The James Forrestal building and L'Enfant Plaza for the National Women's History Museum. The bill will now go to the US Senate, according to the National Women's History Museum

Media Resources: National Women's History Museum 10/16/09; Carolyn B. Maloney Press Release 10/15/09; US Congress HR 1700

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