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Congress·In Committee·S. 2385

Sen. Banks Introduces Bill to Remove 'Divisive' Race and Gender Content From the Smithsonian

Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act

4 months ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

  • The bill would change how federal museums and parks present American history, requiring them to focus on 'greatness' and 'achievements' rather than narratives about systemic racism, oppression, or other critiques. The Vice President would oversee removing content deemed divisive from the Smithsonian Institution.

    From policy text

    “restore Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing”
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  • The bill specifically targets the American Women's History Museum, banning any exhibits that recognize transgender women as women, depict biological males competing in women's sports, or favorably discuss gender-affirming medicine, especially for minors.

    From policy text

    “celebrate the achievements of women in the American Women's History Museum and do not recognize men as women in any respect, including by-- (i) promoting, celebrating, or favorably depicting biological males competing in women's sports, winning awards designated for women, dressing as women, or entering private facilities designated for women”
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  • The Secretary of the Interior must review all federal monuments, statues, and markers removed since January 1, 2020, and reinstate those taken down for what the bill considers ideological reasons, such as to 'divide Americans based on race' or 'minimize the value of certain historical events or figures.'

    From policy text

    “determine whether, since January 1, 2020, public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties within the Department of the Interior's jurisdiction have been removed or changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, divide Americans based on race”
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  • The bill directs funding to improve Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, with a completion deadline of July 4, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    From policy text

    “The Secretary of the Interior shall provide sufficient funding, as available, to improve the infrastructure of Independence National Historical Park, which shall be complete by July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”
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  • Future Smithsonian funding would be conditioned on not spending money on exhibits or programs that 'degrade shared American values,' 'divide Americans based on race,' or promote ideologies inconsistent with the bill's policies. This would give Congress and the executive branch direct influence over museum content.

    From policy text

    “future appropriations to the Smithsonian Institution-- (A) prohibit expenditure on exhibits or programs that-- (i) degrade shared American values; (ii) divide Americans based on race; or (iii) promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law, the policy of this Act”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones3 actions
Dec 9, 2025Senate

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.

Jul 22, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Jul 22, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Related Bills

1 bill
H.R. 4730Identical bill

Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act

Jul 23 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act

Bill NumberS 2385
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.