Commission To Study The Potential Creation Of The National Museum Of The American Latino Act Of 2007

Floor Speech

COMMISSION TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 12, 2007)

* Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 512, to establish the commission to study the potential creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC, and for other purposes.

* Here in our Nation's Capitol we are proud of the history from the past that surrounds us and embrace the history that is made each and every day. Amongst the many museums that pay tribute to our rich history as a nation, there still remains a sense of incompletion in our lessons of our history, art and culture. Even though 40 million United States residents share the Latino heritage and culture, hardly any permanent exhibits in Washington's museums commemorate their cultural contributions. I commend Representative Becerra for recognizing the need to share the collective history of Latino-Americans and to ensure that their stories, cultural contributions and heritage are not forgotten for generations to come.

* This bipartisan bill was first introduced as H.R. 2134 during the 109th Congress and passed by a unanimous vote but time ran out before the Senate could act on the bill. I was a co-sponsor of H.R. 2134 and it is my sincere hope that my colleagues in the Senate will take quick action and speedily move this important legislation forward upon its passage in the House. This legislation recognizes the need for detailed and careful planning and proposes a 23 member commission to discuss the museum's vitality and is charged with producing a national conference to bring stakeholders, experts, policy makers and other interested parties together. It is important to take the chief ideas discussed and move them from concept to reality; the commission would be tasked with designing a fundraising plan to create an extensive public-private partnership as well as reporting to Congress a detailed recommended plan of action on how to do so.

* Again, I thank my colleague, Mr. Becerra, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we celebrate, commemorate and remember the contribution of Latino Americans by moving to establish a National museum and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

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