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National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-3890| Senate 
| Updated: 2/12/2026
Angela D. Alsobrooks

Angela D. Alsobrooks

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (5)
Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Jacky Rosen (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes to establish a National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Council's core purpose is to enhance the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture across the United States, providing expert guidance and oversight on related initiatives. The Council will comprise 12 members appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, chosen for their expertise and commitment to the field. A key provision mandates equal bipartisan representation , with six members from each major political party, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson who must be from different parties. Members will serve five-year terms, with initial staggered appointments, and receive compensation for their duties. Among its primary duties, the Council will prepare an annual report for the NEH Chairperson on the Endowment's efforts in this area. It is also tasked with gathering and analyzing information on African American historical developments and cultural trends, while monitoring relevant museums and organizations. Furthermore, the Council will evaluate NEH programs to assess their effectiveness in preserving and celebrating African American history and culture, making recommendations to the President. Crucially, the Council will develop and recommend national policies to foster understanding, preserve culture, and celebrate African American contributions to the nation's success. The Council is designed to operate for a specific period, slated to terminate 10 years after the Act's enactment.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4936
National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-215
National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023
Feb 12, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7549
Introduced in House
Feb 12, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Feb 12, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4936
    National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-215
    National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023


  • February 12, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7549
    Introduced in House


  • February 12, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 12, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Arts, Culture, Religion

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7549: National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026

National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-3890| Senate 
| Updated: 2/12/2026
This bill proposes to establish a National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Council's core purpose is to enhance the preservation and celebration of African American history and culture across the United States, providing expert guidance and oversight on related initiatives. The Council will comprise 12 members appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, chosen for their expertise and commitment to the field. A key provision mandates equal bipartisan representation , with six members from each major political party, including the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson who must be from different parties. Members will serve five-year terms, with initial staggered appointments, and receive compensation for their duties. Among its primary duties, the Council will prepare an annual report for the NEH Chairperson on the Endowment's efforts in this area. It is also tasked with gathering and analyzing information on African American historical developments and cultural trends, while monitoring relevant museums and organizations. Furthermore, the Council will evaluate NEH programs to assess their effectiveness in preserving and celebrating African American history and culture, making recommendations to the President. Crucially, the Council will develop and recommend national policies to foster understanding, preserve culture, and celebrate African American contributions to the nation's success. The Council is designed to operate for a specific period, slated to terminate 10 years after the Act's enactment.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4936
National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-215
National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023
Feb 12, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7549
Introduced in House
Feb 12, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Feb 12, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4936
    National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-215
    National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023


  • February 12, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7549
    Introduced in House


  • February 12, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 12, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Angela D. Alsobrooks

Angela D. Alsobrooks

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (5)
Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Jacky Rosen (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Arts, Culture, Religion

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7549: National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted