Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act
This bill would codify the goals and policies of a prior executive order aimed at “restoring truth and sanity” to American history. It seeks to push federal museums, national sites, and monuments toward presenting a traditional, unity-oriented narrative of U.S. history and to curb content it describes as divisive or ideologically driven. Key elements include directing the Smithsonian Institution to remove or alter materials and programs that violate the policy or divide Americans by race, directing related budget decisions to prohibit such content, and requiring infrastructure work to modernize Independence Hall. It also requires a review of monuments and memorials since 2020 to identify and reinstate or adjust items that allegedly perpetuate false history or divide Americans, and it places limits on how public history is portrayed, including strong language about not recognizing men as women in certain contexts. In short, the bill attempts to codify a specific interpretation of American history across federal museums and monuments, expand executive influence over the Smithsonian’s content and governance, fund certain restoration projects, and regulate how race and gender are portrayed in federal history programs and facilities.
Key Points
- 1Codification and policy aims: The bill codifies Executive Order 14253, establishing a policy to present a solemn, uplifting view of American history, prevent ideological indoctrination, and avoid narratives that divide Americans by race or other identities.
- 2Smithsonian oversight and funding: The Vice President, on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, would push for removal of items that violate the policy or divide Americans by race, and propose additional actions. Future appropriations would require exhibits and programs to avoid degrading shared values, dividing by race, or promoting ideologies inconsistent with federal law. It also imposes a specific stance on gender-related content within the Smithsonian’s Women’s History Museum, signaling opposition to recognizing men as women in certain contexts (including sports, facilities, and related topics) and limiting gender-identity material, including as it relates to minors.
- 3Independence Hall restoration: The Secretary of the Interior would provide funding to upgrade Independence National Historical Park infrastructure, with a completion target by July 4, 2026.
- 4Restoring Truth in American History: The Interior Secretary would review monuments and memorials under Interior jurisdiction since January 1, 2020 to identify those removed or altered to misrepresent history, minimize the value of historical events/figures, or promote division by race or gender. The bill would direct action to reinstate or adjust such monuments as allowed by law and to ensure content emphasizes the greatness and progress of the American people.
- 5Rule of Construction: The bill clarifies that nothing in it should impair the constitutional authority of executive departments or the President’s budget-related functions, nor create new legal rights enforceable in court.