What does Preamble of HR 7740 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To authorize the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to support African American history education programs, and for other purposes,' aims to authorize the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to support African American history education programs. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 26, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7740 do?

This bill is formally titled the African American History Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 7740 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “African American history” is defined as the history of African Americans, starting with the African diaspora and continuing to the present day, encompassing significant historical periods and contributions. An “African American history education program” is defined as an educational program relating to African American life, art, history, and culture, potentially utilizing digital technologies and collaborating with schools at various levels. “Director” refers to the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The terms 'early childhood education program', 'elementary school', 'local educational agency', and 'secondary school' are defined by reference to section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

What does PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. of HR 7740 do?

This section authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to use funds appropriated under section 5 to carry out various activities. Authorized activities include developing resources to promote understanding of African American history, convening experts, and engaging the public. The Director can increase resource capacity, create scholarly work, and provide language translation of museum materials. The section also permits expanding collection acquisition and access processes, and augmenting African American history education programs. Education program activities include developing pedagogy, providing professional development for teachers, and engaging with education leaders. The Director may develop and maintain online resources for educators, students, and families to improve their understanding of African American history. Existing activities of the museum can continue using the appropriated funds.

What does ANNUAL REPORT AND BRIEFINGS. of HR 7740 do?

The Director must submit an annual report to Congress and make it publicly available. The report details how funds from this Act were used for educational activities and other purposes. The Director, or a designee, must provide briefings to the House Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. These briefings are required within six months of initial funding distribution and annually thereafter. Subsections (a) and (b) of this section will expire on September 30, 2030.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of HR 7740 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the importance of accurate education about the history of minority groups in America. It suggests the Federal Government should take a leadership role in improving the teaching of African American, Hispanic and Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native American history. The Director of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian is encouraged to develop and disseminate historically accurate materials on Native American history. Directors of future Smithsonian museums focusing on minority group history are also empowered to create and disseminate quality education materials.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of HR 7740 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. A total of $4,000,000 is authorized for fiscal year 2027. An additional $4,000,000 is authorized for each of the four succeeding fiscal years.

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African American History Act of 2026 — HR. 7740

Last updated: 2/26/2026 · Introduced: 2/26/2026

Author: Kweisi Mfume (D-MD)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to support African American history education programs through resource development, teacher training, and online materials.
The bill authorizes a total of $20,000,000 in funding over six fiscal years to support these educational activities.
The Director must submit annual reports to Congress detailing the use of funds and provide briefings to relevant committees.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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