In a voice vote, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 7764, legislation that creates a private committee to advise Congress on potentially transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution.
Following the law’s passage on Monday, Phil Darivoff, trustee and chair emeritus of the Weitzman, praised the bipartisan support with nearly 100 co-sponsors, saying it demonstrated “to all Americans the significant role that Jewish Americans have played in our nation and how critical it is to teach these stories to counter antisemitism, bigotry and hate.”
Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) and Max Miller (R-Ohio) had introduced the bill.
“Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” Wasserman Schultz said. “This powerful institutional integration signals a strong commitment to address the dramatic rise in antisemitism.”
Turner said that “by bringing this museum and its collections into the Smithsonian, Congress will ensure that the story of Jewish Americans is shared with the widest possible audience.”
The legislation has authorized the creation of a committee consisting of eight members with appointees selected by each party. They will write a report for Congress with their recommendation on whether to join the institutions. Private donations, and not federal dollars, will fund the group’s work.
Explaining the impact for the Weitzman in joining the Smithsonian, Boyle said the merger would provide the Jewish museum “expanded access to not only artifacts and documents but robust educational resources, expertise and staff training to aid in the ongoing mission to preserve and promote the culture of American Jews. I encourage my Senate colleagues to pass this bill without delay.”
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
