A group of bipartisan lawmakers are working to celebrate the centennial anniversary of women's suffrage next year with the founding of a new museum dedicated entirely to the accomplishments of women in the U.S.
"It is difficult to empower women, if you don't even recognize them," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), the author of the pending Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act.
"What better way of inspiring young women — and men — than by knowing the contributions of those that went ahead."
If passed, the bill will establish a new national museum that showcases and honors women's historical achievements in a variety of fields including art, science, and the military, among others. The legislation currently has 293 co-sponsors in the House.
"Women's contributions to the development of our nation and society are immense," Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said in a statement. "As the first museum in the United States dedicated to the full story of women's history, this museum will tell the diverse story of the women who helped shape America."
The lawmakers stress that the museum is vital for accurately depicting U.S. history, which is dominated by the achievements of men and ignores those of women. The legislation notes, for instance, that only 9 out of 91 statues in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall are of women and cites a study that found only 10 percent of American history textbooks detail the contributions of women. The bill also mentions how only one out of the National Park Service's 44 national monuments honor women: the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, which President Obama designated in 2016.
"The American people need and deserve a museum dedicated to telling the story of American women," Jane Abraham, the chair of the American Museum of Women's History Congressional Commission, said in a statement. "Women's history is as rich as it is vast and to truly learn about and celebrate our country's history, women's contributions must be showcased in a dedicated museum."
<i>President Obama at the inauguration of the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument in 2016. The historic house was designated to honor National Woman's Party benefactor Alva Belmont and founder Alice Paul. Photo Credit: Shutterstock</i>
The House bill was also accompanied by a Senate version that was co-sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). Both bills were introduced in March to coincide with Women's History Month
"American women have made invaluable contributions to our country in every field, such as government, business, medicine, law, literature, sports, entertainment, the arts, and the military," Collins said in a statement. "A museum dedicated to women's history would help ensure that future generations understand what we owe to those American women who have helped build, sustain, and advance our society."
Sen. Feinstein added that a Smithsonian museum "would be a fitting and long-overdue way to properly recognize women's contributions to our nation's narrative."
Neither bill is scheduled for a vote in Congress, yet supporters aim to pass the legislation by the end of 2020 to honor the passing of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the U.S.
The Biden Administration has issued a new order aimed at all federal agencies which would order them to patch hundreds of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Chief Evangelist at Intrusion Gary Davis and Chief Security Advisor at SentinelOne Morgan Wright, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
The electric vehicle space is about to see a whole new shift in its market particularly in Taxi Industry. Ride-Hailing apps like Uber and Lyft though could be left behind from this era since they cannot force their drivers to drive specific cars. Executive Analyst from ISeeCars.Com, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
According to a new report from the ECMC Group, only 48% of high schoolers are considering attending a four-year college. That number is 23% points less than it was in May 2020. After being forced to study remotely from home due to the pandemic, a number of Gen Z are thinking of other alternatives to a successful career. CEO and President of the ECMC Group Jeremy Wheaton, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
In an upcoming new series on Fuse, activist and actor Amara La Negra is taking viewers along with her on the streets of Miami to break down some of the hottest issues in America. The new show 'Don't Cancel Me' will follow a round table format and focus on topics including parenting, colorism, sex and relationships, and so much more. She joined Cheddar's None Of The Above to discuss more.
a.k.a Brands, an accelerator for next-gen, direct-to-consumer fashion brands like Princess Polly, released its first earnings report as a publicly-traded company with strong results. CEO Jill Ramsey joined Cheddar's "Opening Bell" to discuss the company's recent quarter and how the company has grown since its IPO in September.
Wood modification technology company Kebony recently raised $34 million in its latest funding round. The company's patented technology transformed sustainable softwood using leftover materials and makes it into a product that behaves like premium hardwood. The process has the potential to transform the global construction industry, as it is cost-effective and eco-friendly. Kebony CEO Norman Willemsen joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Lito MC Cassidy, a nominee for Best Rap/Hip Hop Song for his song 'La Vendedora De Placer,' joins Cheddar News to discuss his Latin Grammy nomination and his return to music.
After a year hiatus due to COVID, the LA Auto Show is back in-person from November 19-28. The event will feature automakers from around the world as they introduce their latest concepts and production vehicles. David Fortin, head of consumer marketing for the LA Auto Show, joins Cheddar News to preview the event.
