[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMISSION TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF 
                    THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2007

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 512, a bill 
introduced by my good friend, Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), expressing 
Congressional support for the establishment of a commission to study 
the potential creation of a National Museum of the American Latino.
  As a Hispanic American and a former chair of the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus, I know the importance of creating a museum to honor 
and preserve the history of Latino Americans. We need to celebrate the 
diverse history, art, music, and literature of the Latino culture. We 
also need to make strides in increasing public awareness of the 
important contributions that Latino Americans have made in the United 
States. The establishment of this commission and subsequent museum 
would be an important step towards reaching this goal.
  Mr. Speaker, as you are well aware, according to the United States 
Census Bureau, Hispanic Americans constitute fourteen percent of the 
total United States population and are the largest growing minority 
with a current population of 41.3 million Americans. In fact, the 16th 
Congressional District of El Paso, Texas is eighty-two percent Hispanic 
American. El Pasoans have a rich history which contributes to the 
tapestry of American culture.
  The establishment of a National Museum of the American Latino is 
important to my constituents and Hispanics across the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
important bill.

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