The Smithsonian Institution has missed a year-end deadline to designate two sites for its upcoming National Museum of the American Latino and American Women’s History Museum, putting both behind schedule.
Congress failed to grant an exemption to build on two proposed sites in a no-construction area around the National Mall, Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas confirmed Friday.
The responsibility to decide the issue now rests with the incoming Congress in the new year, she told The Washington Times in a telephone call.
“We did announce the two optimal sites, but we cannot proceed until Congress gives permission to build on the National Mall,” Ms.