Statement from NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to establish the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum in the nation’s capital.  This victory has been a priority for female lawmakers in Congress like Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the author of the legislation. 

In 2014, Rep. Maloney’s bill passed overwhelmingly, with just 33 Republicans voting against it.  Now today, the bill once again passed with bipartisan support. 

“With each step we take forward, the steps behind us disappear,” Rep. Maloney then said. And we must continue taking these steps forward and pressure Mitch McConnell to bring this legislation to a vote in the Senate. 

We look towards the day when young women visiting the nation’s capital can visit a museum that inspires them to follow in the footsteps of the women whose achievements have shaped our history.  NOW salutes Carolyn Maloney and her colleagues for their tireless leadership to advance this historic step forward. 

Contact

Kimberly Hayes, Press Secretary , press@now.org , 202-570-4745