Restoring Truth and Sanity Act

Full Title:
Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act

Summary#

This bill would codify Executive Order 14253. It directs the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Secretary of the Interior to act to change how some federal museums, parks, monuments, and exhibits present American history. It asks the Vice President to use the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove items that the bill says "divide Americans based on race" or violate the bill's policy. The Secretary of the Interior must review items changed or removed since January 1, 2020, and may reinstate pre-existing monuments or markers as allowed by law. The bill also calls for improvements to Independence National Historical Park to be completed by July 4, 2026. OMB and the Secretary of the Interior are to take other steps within their authority, and OMB is to work with Congress on future Smithsonian appropriations that restrict certain exhibit content described in the bill.

What it means for you#

  • Federal officials would be directed to review and possibly change museum and park exhibits, plaques, statues, and markers under Interior Department control.
  • The Vice President would be asked to influence Smithsonian decisions through the Board of Regents.
  • The bill sets a target date (July 4, 2026) for infrastructure work at Independence National Historical Park.
  • Future Smithsonian funding could be tied to rules about what exhibits and programs may be shown.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on the bill's total or estimated federal cost. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide "sufficient funding, as available," for Independence National Historical Park improvements and says OMB will work with Congress on future Smithsonian appropriations that follow the bill's restrictions.

Proponents' View#

The bill's findings say some people and institutions have rewritten or presented American history in ways the bill calls ideological, divisive, or negative. Supporters in the bill argue museums and parks should present an uplifting account of American achievements, restore traditional displays and monuments, and ensure the Smithsonian reflects national pride and shared values.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views in the bill text.