Rep. Cook Votes to Pass Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act

Press Release

Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act. The bill passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly with bipartisan support.

Currently, only 5 percent of approximately 2,400 national monuments honor women. The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum would be the first museum fully dedicated to telling the stories of women throughout history who helped shape our nation.

The legislation will establish guidelines for the museum's planning, management, operations, and preservation. The Smithsonian American Women's History Museum will also collaborate with existing Smithsonian Institutions and schools to implement educational programs.

Rep. Cook said, "It's time that we properly recognize the significant contributions and achievements of women in American history. Preserving and sharing these stories will honor their efforts and inspire young women across the country to become our next generation of leaders. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, and I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition."

A member of the House Natural Resources and Armed Services Committees, Congressman Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

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