Lynda Carter Champions National Women’s Museum at Bipartisan Capitol Event

Lynda Carter Champions National Women’s Museum at Bipartisan Capitol Event

FIRST ON FOX: Bridging the political divide is no small feat in today’s environment. Yet this week, actress Lynda Carter, best known for her role in the 1970s ABC series “Wonder Woman,” took a step towards unity by participating in a bipartisan reception on Capitol Hill. The event’s goal was to garner support for the construction of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

Carter articulated her passion for the project in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, stating, “It’s often said that certain kinds of men built America. And that is not exactly the truth because we were there. Most people don’t know about our stories, about the women of America that helped to build our great nation. Those are the stories that I’m excited to have you hear about.” The star’s enthusiasm for the project highlighted the need to recognize the vital contributions of women throughout American history.

A Collaborative Effort Amidst Political Tension

On a bustling Monday, just before President Donald Trump’s anticipated speech to Congress, over two dozen lawmakers made their way to a modest room on the first floor of the U.S. Capitol. Here, Carter engaged with members of Congress, advocating for the much-anticipated women’s museum. Despite the hectic schedule, the bipartisan nature of the event shone through, as lawmakers from both parties came together to support this vital initiative.

Funding and Legislative Progress

Funding for the women’s museum was secured in 2020 during Trump’s administration. Now, Representative Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican from New York, is spearheading a bill aimed at establishing a permanent site for the museum along the National Mall.

Malliotakis shared her optimism about the bipartisan support for the project, saying, “We’re very fortunate to be here with a bipartisan effort. And we have 80 co-sponsors of our legislation, both Democrats and Republicans.” She emphasized the significance of sharing the stories of remarkable women, mentioning figures like Rosie the Riveter and the Black Angels, a group of Black nurses who cared for tuberculosis patients in the early 1900s, along with former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Recognition from Leadership

Support for the initiative reached the highest levels of Congress. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, made a brief appearance at the event and engaged warmly with attendees, including Carter. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, also attended, showcasing the bipartisan nature of the gathering.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, co-leads the legislative effort and explained, “This is the second and final step of the process. Obviously, it’s an important one because this is the site selection. The hard part was getting it authorized, that’s already done.” This statement reflects the progress made toward establishing the museum, which highlights the contributions of women in American history.

Commitment from Advocates

Former Representative Carolyn Maloney, a Democrat from New York with a long history of advocating for women’s rights, expressed confidence after speaking with Johnson. She noted, “It seemed like he was gonna look for the votes. I know how effective he is. We’re gonna get it done this time.” This unwavering commitment from advocates suggests a promising future for the museum.

Another key advocate, Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, echoed this sentiment, declaring, “We are going to get it done.” Dingell did not shy away from addressing the political challenges yet remained optimistic about completing the project.

Empowering Women Stories

The event was not only significant for its political implications but also for the empowerment of women’s stories. Carter, while being a noted Democrat and active supporter of Kamala Harris’s campaign, expressed gratitude to both Republicans and Democrats for uniting around the museum’s cause.

The evening culminated in a special recognition for Carter as the co-chairs of the bipartisan Women’s Caucus, including Malliotakis and Representatives Monica De La Cruz, Emilia Sykes, and Janelle Bynum, presented her with a framed tribute honoring her contributions to women’s representation in Congress.

A Glimpse into the Future

The bipartisan support for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum illustrates a significant moment in American politics. It showcases the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful initiatives. If all goes according to plan, the museum will serve as a vital testament to the countless contributions women have made to the fabric of American history. The path forward appears promising, fueled by the determination of advocates from both sides of the aisle.