Protecting Our History Act of 2026

The Protecting Our History Act of 2026 would prohibit the executive branch from directing the content of exhibits or conditioning federal funding on political ideology for federally supported cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution. The bill specifically designates the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) as a "mission fiduciary" of the United States, granting its governing council explicit legal standing to sue federal officials in court if they attempt to interfere with curatorial decisions or withhold appropriated funds. It establishes strict anti-retaliation policies for museum staff and requires annual reports to Congress detailing any attempts to influence institutional programming. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $90 million annually for NMAAHC operations, covering areas such as collections expansion, digitization, and legal protections for its independence.