WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authorizing the National Mall as the site for a memorial honoring the millions of women who worked on the home front during World War II.

The bill, co-led by U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, advances plans for a World War II Women’s Memorial recognizing more than 18 million women—often referred to as “Rosie the Riveters”—who supported the war effort in civilian roles. These included work as riveters, engineers, electricians, mechanics, pilots, code breakers, and other critical positions that helped sustain military operations.

The measure, titled the World War II Women’s Memorial Location Act, is the next step following bipartisan legislation approved by Congress in 2022 that authorized the creation of the memorial using private funds. Under federal law, a separate act of Congress is required to place a commemorative work on the National Mall.

Fulcher highlighted the role Idaho women played during the war, particularly at the Farragut Naval Training Station in North Idaho, which became the nation’s second-largest naval training base after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He said the bill helps ensure the service and sacrifice of civilian women are formally recognized in the nation’s capital.

Dingell said the memorial would honor women who reshaped the workforce during the war and helped expand opportunities for future generations. She added that the legislation moves the project closer to completion and would help tell a fuller story of World War II on the National Mall.

The bill now advances in the legislative process, with supporters expressing hope it will be signed into law and allow work on the memorial to move forward.