The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a bill that would have authorized creation of a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall, with the measure failing by a vote of 204-216.

All Democrats and six Republicans voted against the legislation after Republican lawmakers amended the original bill to include provisions that changed the scope and governance of the proposed museum. The amendments specified that exhibits should focus on "biological women" and granted President Trump authority to select an alternative site for the museum.

The original legislation had bipartisan support and would have established the museum within the reserve area of the National Mall while creating a framework for selecting museum leadership and determining exhibit content. The bill had been developed through previous congressional sessions with input from various stakeholders.

Democratic opposition centered on the Republican amendments, which they viewed as altering the fundamental purpose and inclusivity of the proposed museum. The "biological women" language represented a significant change from the original bill's broader scope.

The failed vote highlights ongoing political divisions over gender identity and transgender issues that have emerged in various legislative contexts. The defeat means proponents of the women's history museum will need to restart the legislative process in future congressional sessions.

The Smithsonian Institution currently operates 21 museums and galleries, most of which are located on or near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.