CWA strongly supports the showcasing and promotion of the many achievements of American women. Unfortunately, as written, this provision will serve to promote a skewed view of women on key issues like abortion, the free market, and feminism.Every indication points to the museum including exhibits that would in fact be offensive to military members. For example, the current National Women’s History Museum website glorifies Bella Abzug, who worked to drastically reduce military spending and said ‘I am not being facetious when I say that the real enemies in this country are the Pentagon and its pals in big business’ but ignores Jeane Kirkpatrick, who was the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and helped to bring down the Soviet Union. By sneaking this item into the NDAA, Members of Congress are put in the no-win situation of voting for our military yet voting against an accurate portrayal of women.
The NDAA is meant to authorize budget authority for our military and national security to ensure the safety of our nation and its citizens. It is not meant to make backroom deals for bills without merit. If the National Women’s History Museum had any merit, it would stand on its own and it would not need to be snuck in to a bill that is almost guaranteed to pass because we need national security – not a one-sided women’s history museum paid for at the taxpayer’s expense.
Also, please note that eight out of 10 current Board members of the National Women’s History Museum are left-leaning.
Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee urges Congress to address this issue through regular order in a stand alone bill next year.