[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMISSION TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF A NATIONAL MUSEUM OF 
                  AMERICAN LATINO HERITAGE ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support tonight of 
H.R. 2134--the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National 
Museum of the American Latino Community Act.
  I would like to commend Chairman Pombo for his leadership in bringing 
this important legislation to the floor, as well as the bill's author 
Congressman Xavier Becerra for his support.
  As the Republican lead of this legislation, I am pleased that this 
bill would take the next step toward ensuring that our premier 
institutions for the arts and humanities include a greater 
representation of Hispanic-American cultural contributions.
  The commission created by this bill would have the responsibility of 
examining and reporting to Congress and the President a plan to 
establish a new museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of 
the Hispanic-American community.
  There are nearly 40 million United States residents who share a 
cultural heritage which is not fully represented by any of the 
permanent exhibits in Washington museums.
  It is only fitting that this bill is brought to the floor of this 
body during Hispanic Heritage Month.
  As the first Hispanic-American woman to be elected to the U.S. 
Congress, I have been proud to represent my diverse South Florida 
constituency for over 16 years.
  Americans of Hispanic heritage are a youthful population and are 
projected to play an increasing role in the Nation's economy and 
workforce.
  As Hispanic-Americans, we have come a long way.
  We are contributing in record numbers in the fields of business, 
education, healthcare, and at all levels of government service.
  As a legislative body, Congress is committed to continue to propel 
thousands of Hispanic-Americans across the nation into the realization 
of the American dream.
  A stronger, healthier, and more educated Hispanic American population 
contributes to the greatness of this wonderful nation making us 
competitive in the global market.
  The Hispanic-American community is one of America's largest growing 
populations. Congress should continue to provide opportunities for the 
Hispanic-American community to continue succeeding and to showcase the 
wealth of talent that abounds.
  A museum for the Hispanic-American community would honor all 
Americans.
  The great diversity of ethnicities and nationalities of the people in 
the United States is a testament to the power of America's great 
tradition as a Nation that embraces all walks of life.
  This National Museum will symbolize our country's commitment to 
proudly display America's rich cultural diversity.
  Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this 
important legislation to ensure that visitors to our nation's capital 
gain a more complete understanding of who we are as Americans.

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