Martinez: Study for National American Latino Museum Signed into Law

Press Release

MARTINEZ: STUDY FOR NATIONAL AMERICAN LATINO MUSEUM SIGNED INTO LAW

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today announced that President Bush signed a bipartisan bill to make the vision of a National Museum of the American Latino closer to a reality. The Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of American Latino Act of 2007 establishes a 23-member commission to study the potential creation of a national museum in Washington, DC dedicated to the art, culture, and history of the Latino Community in the United States. As an original co-sponsor of the bill, Senator Martinez joined with Senators Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) in steering the measure through the Senate.

"I am extremely pleased President Bush signed this commission into law. It signals the importance of recognizing and honoring the historic achievements of Latino Americans," said Senator Martinez. "I will continue to work with my colleagues to see this project move forward. I commend the work of Senators Salazar and Menendez for helping to make this project a reality."

"I believe we must celebrate the diversity of our Nation and Latinos have been a significant part of American history. They have contributed to nearly every facet of our culture, including the arts, business and our military," said Senator Salazar. "Today is a big day for the Latino community throughout the United States as we move forward to highlight the rich contributions of the community to American life in a national museum. The end result will be a more complete record of our past and a better experience for the 20 million visitors that come to our nation's capital city to learn about our shared culture and history."

"The Congress and the President have joined together to acknowledge that America's success would not be possible without the political, cultural and economic contributions of the Latino community," said Senator Menendez. "The National Museum of the American Latino Community is an idea that is overdue -- Latino culture, dreams and advancements are not outside but within the very fabric of American life, and I am delighted that we are working to share these proud traditions with the public."

The 2 year, 23-member commission will be charged with producing a national conference to bring stakeholders, experts, policymakers and other interested parties together to discuss the museum's viability. It will also be tasked with drafting a fundraising plan to create an extensive public-private partnership. The commission will report to Congress detailing their recommended plan on moving forward to make the museum a reality.

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