WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major step toward realizing Representative Xavier Becerra’s (CA-31) vision of a national museum focused on American Latino art, history and culture in our nation’s capital, the House of Representatives tonight passed H.R. 2134, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American Latino Heritage Act, by unanimous voice vote.
Rep. Becerra, who along with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) wrote H.R. 2134, expressed thanks to his colleagues for their bi-partisan support.
“It seems only fitting that we pass this bill right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month,” Rep. Becerra said. “I first want to thank Rep. Ros-Lehtinen for her leadership in this effort. And it is also important to acknowledge my appreciation for Chairmen Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall of the Resources Committee, and Chairman Ehlers and Ranking Member Millender-McDonald of the Committee on House Administration. The work they and their respective staff members did to make today a reality is laudable, and I remain grateful for their efforts.”
H.R. 2134 sets 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 of this will happen within 24 months of H.R. 2134 being signed into law.
“Walk through our national museums here in Washington, D.C., and you will get as good a snapshot of America as you can find anywhere in this country,” Rep. Becerra said. “Yet the lessons of our history, art and culture are still incomplete. Today was a critical step in ensuring that the mosaic portrayed in Washington’s museums truly reflects America.”
Rep. Becerra remains hopeful that the Senate will take up and pass H.R. 2134 in the coming days before the end of the congressional session.
“We are so very lucky to have a bipartisan group of champions over on the other side of the Capitol,” Rep. Becerra said. “Sens. Salazar, Martinez, Hatch, Bingaman, Hutchison, Menendez, Domenici and the 17 others who support this bill are working hard to get a vote on H.R. 2134 this week. My fingers are crossed, and I remain optimistic.”
Click here to read Rep. Becerra's floor statement on H.R. 2134 in its entirety.
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