70 CO-SPONSORS IN THE HOUSE, SEN. HATCH TO INTRODUCE IN SENATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) reintroduced legislation today, Cinco de Mayo 2005, that would create a commission charged with exploring the possibility of establishing a national museum in Washington, D.C., focused on Latino art, culture, history and politics.
“Despite the history, demography and ongoing contributions that American Latinos have made and continue to make to the cultural life of our country, there remains a great gap in the level and quality of awareness that Americans possess about the rich and diverse character of Latino culture and history,” Rep. Becerra said.
When signed into law, the “Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community Act of 2005” will set up a 23 member commission charged with producing a national conference to bring stakeholders, experts, policymakers and other interested parties together to discuss the museum’s viability; a fundraising plan to create an extensive public-private partnership; and a report to congress detailing a recommended plan of action on how to move forward with taking the museum from concept to reality. All this will occur within 18 months of Rep. Becerra’s bill’s passage.
A word-for-word senate companion will be introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) later in the month once the body returns from its recess.
“Nearly 40 million Americans share a Latino heritage, yet there is little in Washington museums that celebrates American Latino culture or history,” Sen. Hatch said. “Children who visit D.C. should have the opportunity to learn the full story of who we are as Americans.”
“I am so very grateful to Senator Hatch for his extensive and enthusiastic efforts in championing this legislation,” Rep. Becerra said. “Our shared goal is to provide visitors to the museums in Washington, D.C., with a more complete picture of our country’s collective history and culture so that the American mosaic portrayed in the nation’s capital more truly reflects who we are, and who we are becoming.”
Seventy members of the House of Representatives lent their name as original co-sponsors to the legislation, further highlighting the enthusiasm and momentum that Rep. Becerra’s legislation is creating in Congress.
The bipartisan list of the 70 original co-sponsors of the “Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community Act of 2005” includes: