Washington – The House took a step Tuesday toward creating a national museum focused on the artistic, cultural and historical contributions of Latinos in the U.S.
Lawmakers passed legislation by voice vote to create a commission to study the cost of the museum, scout possible locations and establish a plan of action.
The effort is spearheaded by California Rep. Xavier Becerra, a rising star in the Democratic Party, and Rep. Ileana Ros-Leh tinen, R-Fla., the first Latina elected to Congress.
“Even as the largest minority group in the United States, Hispanic Americans are not fully represented by one of the permanent exhibits in Washington’s museums,” Ros- Leh tinen said during House debate on the bill.
Becerra said the museum would help represent the full scope of American art, culture and history, following in the footsteps of the National Museum of the American Indian and the forthcoming Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.
The House measure would set up a 23-member commission of experts in art and museum administration as well as people with experience in the development of cultural institutions. President Bush would appoint seven of the members, and House and Senate leaders of both parties would pick the remaining slots.
Sens. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., and Mel Martinez, R-Fla., are expected to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
Martinez said the museum will help Americans understand the full heritage of the United States, including early Latino settlements in the Southwest and Florida.
“The nation’s capital has always been a place where we honor the diversity that is America,” he said. “This would be a very nice way to do it.”
