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African American History Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-3953| Senate 
| Updated: 2/26/2026
Cory A. Booker

Cory A. Booker

Democratic Senator

New Jersey

Cosponsors (6)
Alex Padilla (Democratic)Amy Klobuchar (Democratic)Jacky Rosen (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)

Rules and Administration Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) to support and expand African American history education programs. It defines "African American history" broadly, encompassing the African diaspora, slavery, civil rights, and the innovations and contributions of African Americans to society. The legislation empowers the Director to develop and make available accurate, relevant, and accessible resources, including digital and traveling exhibitions, to promote understanding. The authorized activities include convening experts, providing opportunities for discourse, and engaging the public through programming and educational resources, often with a social justice and anti-bias lens . The Director can also create and disseminate scholarly work, provide language translation for NMAAHC materials, and expand collection acquisition and access processes. A significant focus is placed on augmenting African American history education program activities, such as developing sound pedagogical principles for teaching, providing professional development through workshops and teacher trainings, and engaging with local educational agencies and schools. The bill also allows for the development and maintenance of online resources for educators, students, and families on the NMAAHC website. To ensure accountability, the Director is required to submit annual reports to Congress and the public detailing how funds are used for educational activities, with briefings provided to relevant congressional committees. The bill also includes a Sense of Congress emphasizing the importance of accurate education on the history of minority groups and empowering other Smithsonian museums to develop similar educational materials. Finally, it authorizes appropriations of $4,000,000 annually for fiscal year 2027 and the four succeeding fiscal years to carry out these provisions.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3547
African American History Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-233
African American History Act
Feb 26, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7740
Introduced in House
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Feb 26, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3547
    African American History Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-233
    African American History Act


  • February 26, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7740
    Introduced in House


  • February 26, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 26, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

African American History Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-3953| Senate 
| Updated: 2/26/2026
This bill authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) to support and expand African American history education programs. It defines "African American history" broadly, encompassing the African diaspora, slavery, civil rights, and the innovations and contributions of African Americans to society. The legislation empowers the Director to develop and make available accurate, relevant, and accessible resources, including digital and traveling exhibitions, to promote understanding. The authorized activities include convening experts, providing opportunities for discourse, and engaging the public through programming and educational resources, often with a social justice and anti-bias lens . The Director can also create and disseminate scholarly work, provide language translation for NMAAHC materials, and expand collection acquisition and access processes. A significant focus is placed on augmenting African American history education program activities, such as developing sound pedagogical principles for teaching, providing professional development through workshops and teacher trainings, and engaging with local educational agencies and schools. The bill also allows for the development and maintenance of online resources for educators, students, and families on the NMAAHC website. To ensure accountability, the Director is required to submit annual reports to Congress and the public detailing how funds are used for educational activities, with briefings provided to relevant congressional committees. The bill also includes a Sense of Congress emphasizing the importance of accurate education on the history of minority groups and empowering other Smithsonian museums to develop similar educational materials. Finally, it authorizes appropriations of $4,000,000 annually for fiscal year 2027 and the four succeeding fiscal years to carry out these provisions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3547
African American History Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-233
African American History Act
Feb 26, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7740
Introduced in House
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Feb 26, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3547
    African American History Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-233
    African American History Act


  • February 26, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7740
    Introduced in House


  • February 26, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 26, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Cory A. Booker

Cory A. Booker

Democratic Senator

New Jersey

Cosponsors (6)
Alex Padilla (Democratic)Amy Klobuchar (Democratic)Jacky Rosen (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)

Rules and Administration Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted