Senators Ted Cruz and Todd Young have called upon Washington, D.C. museums to uphold the First Amendment rights of pro-life demonstrators anticipated in the city. This follows incidents where museum staff allegedly removed or harassed individuals wearing pro-life attire.

Two years prior, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum expelled Catholic students and chaperones for wearing pro-life clothing. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), representing some parents, asserted that museum staff mocked the group and claimed the museum was a "neutral zone." The Smithsonian later settled a lawsuit, issuing an apology, updating its policy, and paying $50,000.

The senators emphasized that the incident should not have occurred and that taxpayers bore the cost of the museum employees' actions. They also highlighted a similar 2023 settlement with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) after staff allegedly asked visitors to remove pro-life clothing. NARA apologized, acknowledged the policy breach, paid legal fees, and implemented staff training.

Cruz and Young are requesting both institutions confirm adherence to previous settlements, staff training on free speech policies, and details of their preparations for upcoming protests. The Smithsonian has confirmed it will respond to the senators, while NARA has not yet commented.