Rep. Carolyn Maloney pushes for a Smithsonian Museum of American Women's History in Washington

The time is now for a Smithsonian Museum of American Women’s History on the National Mall in Washington, Rep. Carolyn Maloney said Monday.

“We should be proud to make a strong statement that Americans value women, champion equality and honor the significant contributions of women throughout our history,” the Manhattan Democrat said.

An advocacy group, the Common Good, announced a Change.org petition calling on Congress to authorize construction of the museum.