WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Turner (OH-10), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), and Max Miller (OH-7) announced that their bill, the Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act (H.R. 7764), passed the Senate last night and now heads to the President’s desk. This commission is a critical step in transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a highly regarded museum dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, to the Smithsonian Institution. If transferred, the Weitzman would serve as the Smithsonian’s only museum specifically dedicated to the stories of Jewish Americans.
The bill passed the House in September, and with its unanimous Senate approval, now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Sen. Bob Casey (PA) led the companion bill in the Senate.
“There is broad bipartisan, bicameral support in preserving and promoting the contributions of Jewish Americans via The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History,” said Turner. “With passage of this legislation and the President’s expected signature, we move one step closer to bringing the museum and its collections to the Smithsonian to be shared with a global audience.”
“Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about the amazing contributions Jewish Americans made to our nation, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community.” said Wasserman Schultz. “Welcoming the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the larger Smithsonian family would bring that vision closer to reality. Education about the Jewish American community is a critical tool in the fight against hate, and there is no better place for that learning than the Weitzman. I am proud to champion this legislation and am thrilled to see it reach the President’s desk.”
“With antisemitism on the rise, the Weitzman Museum is playing a vital role in educating the next generation about the contributions Jewish Americans have made to our Nation and stemming the tide of hate,” said Casey. “Integrating the Weitzman with the Smithsonian will cement the museum’s place as one of America’s essential institutions.”
“This critical bill marks an important step toward the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution. As the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience, the Weitzman plays a vital role in preserving and sharing a key chapter of our nation’s history,” said Boyle. “Integrating the museum into the Smithsonian family would not only expand its reach and resources but also ensure its continued ability to educate and inspire future generations about the rich culture and contributions of American Jews.”
“The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is a treasure that highlights the remarkable contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation’s history and culture,” said Miller. “Bringing the Weitzman to the Smithsonian will ensure these stories are preserved and shared on an even larger stage. At a time when antisemitism and hate are on the rise, expanding education about Jewish American history is more important than ever. I am honored to be part of this bipartisan effort, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
Background:
The Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act would create a commission to study the potential transfer of the Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, which is the necessary first step to put the Weitzman Museum on a path toward acquisition by the Smithsonian. Specifically:
- The commission will consist of eight members, with two members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber.
- The commission will write a report to Congress with a recommendation on whether the Weitzman Museum should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution.
- The report will also detail the current collections of the Museum; the impact of the Museum on educational and governmental efforts to study and counter antisemitism; the financial assets and liabilities of the Museum and costs of operating and maintaining the Museum; the governance and organizational structure of the Museum should it be transferred; and the impact such a transfer would have on the Smithsonian Institution.
- The commission will not receive any federal funding and will accept private contributions to pay for its expenses.