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119-s-2385119th Congress

Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act

Sponsored By: Senator Banks, Jim [R-IN]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would require federal museums, historic sites, and the Smithsonian to present a unifying, patriotic account of American history rather than what it calls ideological or divisive narratives. It would set rules for exhibits, reshape Smithsonian governance, and direct the Department of the Interior to review and restore monuments and Independence National Historical Park.

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  • Families and visitors: Would bar federal spending on exhibits or programs the bill says degrade shared American values or divide Americans by race, and would prohibit recognition of men as women or promotion of gender-affirming medicine for minors in Smithsonian-funded content.
  • Smithsonian governance and staff: Would direct the Vice President to influence the Board of Regents, require appointment of citizen Regents who support the law's goals, and condition future Smithsonian appropriations on compliance with the bill's content rules.
  • National parks and monuments: Would require the Interior Secretary to review removals or alterations since January 1, 2020, reinstate pre-existing monuments as appropriate, and provide funding to improve Independence National Historical Park with a target of July 4, 2026.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Upgrades to Independence Hall Park

If enacted, the bill would tell the Interior Secretary to provide funding, as available, to improve Independence National Historical Park. Work would target completion by July 4, 2026. The bill does not set a dollar amount or require a specific appropriation.

Review and restore federal monuments

If enacted, the bill would require the Interior Secretary to review monuments, memorials, statues, markers, and similar items under Department control. The Secretary would check removals or alterations since January 1, 2020 and, as allowed by law, reinstate pre-existing items. The Secretary would also act to ensure descriptions do not disparage Americans, divide by race, or recognize men as women.

Smithsonian funding and governance

If enacted, the bill would direct the Vice President and OMB to shape Smithsonian spending and board choices. The Vice President would use the Board of Regents to seek Regents who support the bill's policy and to remove material the Vice President finds violates that policy. Future federal money for the Smithsonian would be blocked for exhibits the bill says degrade shared American values, divide Americans by race, or promote ideologies inconsistent with law. The bill would require the American Women’s History Museum to celebrate women and "not recognize men as women in any respect," and it would bar promoting biological males in women's sports or promoting gender‑affirming medicine for minors.

No new legal rights against U.S.

If enacted, the bill would say it does not create any legal right or benefit that people can enforce against the United States or its agencies. It would also say it does not impair existing agency authorities or change OMB functions.

OMB and Interior to promote policy

If enacted, the bill would direct the Director of OMB and the Interior Secretary to take measures within their existing legal authority to promote the bill's policy. The direction does not create new statutory powers or set aside funding. Any actions must stay within each official's current authority.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Banks, Jim [R-IN]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 7/30/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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