Casey, Boyle bill to study transfer of Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution passes Senate

 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) applauded the Senate passage of their legislation to take 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. The Weitzman, in historic Old City Philadelphia, would serve as the Smithsonian’s only museum dedicated specifically to the stories of Jewish Americans. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

“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 Senator 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,” said Representative Boyle. “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. 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 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.

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) led the companion legislation in the House of Representatives, which passed in September.