Congressional Record, Volume 166 Issue 132 (Monday, July 27, 2020)

[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 132 (Monday, July 27, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H3864-H3873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT

Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 2420) to establish within the Smithsonian Institution the
National Museum of the American Latino, and for other purposes, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:

H.R. 2420

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``National Museum of the
American Latino Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States is a symbol of democracy, freedom,
and economic opportunity around the world, and the legacy of
Latinos is deeply rooted in the very fabric of the history,
democracy, freedom, and economic opportunity of the United
States.
(2) There exists no national museum within the Smithsonian
Institution that is devoted to the documentation and
explication of Latino life, art, history, and culture.
(3) The establishment of the National Museum of the
American Latino will be consistent with the purposes of the
Smithsonian Institution, created by Congress in 1846, ``for
the increase and diffusion of knowledge''.
(4) The National Museum of the American Latino--
(A) will be the keystone for people in the United States
and other Smithsonian Institution visitors to learn about
Latino contributions to life, art, history, and culture in
the United States at its signature location on the National
Mall; and
(B) will serve as a gateway for visitors to view other
Latino exhibitions, collections, and programming at other
Smithsonian Institution facilities and museums throughout the
United States and the territories of the United States.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Board of regents.--The term ``Board of Regents'' means
the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
(2) Board of trustees.--The term ``Board of Trustees''
means the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the
American Latino as established by section 5.
(3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Museum of the American Latino.
(4) Museum.--The term ``Museum'' means the National Museum
of the American Latino established by section 4.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Smithsonian Institution.

SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSEUM.

(a) Establishment.--There is established within the
Smithsonian Institution a museum to be known as the
``National Museum of the American Latino''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Museum are--
(1) to illuminate the story of the United States for the
benefit of all by featuring Latino contributions; and
(2) to provide for--
(A) the collection, study, research, publication, and
establishment of exhibitions and programs relating to Latino
life, art, history, and culture that encompass--
(i) Latino contributions to the early history of what now
encompasses the United States of America and its territories;
(ii) Latino contributions in the armed services from the
earliest days of the American Revolution to current military
activities in defense of our freedoms;
(iii) Latino contributions to the freedom, well-being, and
economic prosperity of all people in the United States
through historical movements;
(iv) entrepreneurial and charitable activities of Latinos;
(v) contributions by Latinos to--

(I) the social, natural, and physical sciences; and
(II) art, history, and culture, including food, music,
dance, film, theater, sports, and other forms of popular
culture in the United States; and

(B) collaboration between the Museum, other museums and
research centers of the Smithsonian Institution, and other
museums and educational institutions throughout the United
States and abroad, to promote the study and appreciation of
Latino life, art, history, culture, and its impact on society
in the United States, including collaboration concerning
joint research projects, programs, exhibitions, collection
management, and training of museum staff.

SEC. 5. BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

(a) Establishment.--There is established within the
Smithsonian Institution a Board of Trustees of the Museum
with the duties, powers, and authority specified in this
section.
(b) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Board of Trustees--
(A) shall--
(i) make recommendations to the Board of Regents concerning
the location, planning, design, and construction of the
Museum;
(ii) recommend annual operating budgets for the Museum to
the Board of Regents;
(iii) adopt bylaws for the Board of Trustees;
(iv) report annually to the Board of Regents on the
acquisition, disposition, and display of Latino collections,
objects and artifacts, and on other appropriate matters; and
(v) advise and assist the Board of Regents on all matters
relating to the administration, operation, maintenance, and
preservation of the Museum, including long-term maintenance;
and
(B) may delegate the duties described in clauses (i)
through (iv) of subparagraph (A) to the Director.
(2) Principal responsibilities.--Subject to the general
policies of the Board of Regents, the Board of Trustees shall
have the sole authority to--
(A) purchase, accept, borrow, or otherwise acquire
artifacts and other objects for addition to the collections
of the Museum;
(B) loan, exchange, sell, or otherwise dispose of any part
of the collections of the Museum, with the proceeds of such
transactions to be used for additions to the collections of
the Museum; and
(C) specify criteria with respect to the use of the
collections and resources of the Museum, including policies
on programming, education, exhibitions, and research with
respect to--
(i) the life, art, history, culture, and other aspects of
Latinos in the United States and the territories of the
United States;
(ii) the role of Latinos in the history of the United
States from the arrival of the first explorers to the
Americas to the present;
(iii) the contributions of Latinos to society and culture
in the United States, and exploring what it means to be an
American; and
(iv) sharing how values in the United States such as
resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in
Latino history and culture.
(3) Other responsibilities.--Subject to the general
policies of the Board of Regents, the Board of Trustees shall
have authority to--
(A) provide for preservation, restoration, and maintenance
of the collections of the Museum; and
(B) solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests,
and devises of personal and real property for the purpose of
aiding and facilitating the work of the Museum.
(4) Ensuring diversity of political viewpoints in exhibits
and programs.--In carrying out its duties, the Board of
Trustees shall ensure that the exhibits and programs of the
Museum reflect the diversity of the political viewpoints held
by Latinos of the United States on the events and issues
relating to the history of Latinos in the United States.
(c) Composition and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Board of Trustees shall be composed of
not more than 19 voting members as provided under paragraph
(2).
(2) Voting members.--The Board of Trustees shall include
the following voting members:
(A) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
(B) The Under Secretary of Museums and Research of the
Smithsonian Institution.
(C) The chair of the Smithsonian National Latino Board.
(D) One member of the Board of Regents, appointed by the
Board of Regents.
(E) Two Members of Congress, 1 from each political party,
designated by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the
Congressional Hispanic Conference.
(F) Thirteen individuals who shall be appointed by the
Board of Regents after taking into consideration--
(i) efforts to have a politically and geographically
diverse representation on the Board of Trustees reflecting
States and territories with significant Latino populations;

[[Page H3865]]

(ii) individuals recommended by members of the Board of
Trustees; and
(iii) individuals recommended by organizations and entities
that are committed to the advancement of knowledge of Latino
life, art, history, and culture.
(3) Initial appointments.--The Board of Regents shall make
initial appointments to the Board of Trustees under paragraph
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(d) Terms of Service.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in this subsection,
each appointed member of the Board of Trustees shall be
appointed for a term of 3 years.
(2) Initial appointees.--As designated by the Board of
Regents at the time of appointment, of the voting members
first appointed under subparagraph (F) of subsection (c)(2)--
(A) Five members shall be appointed for a term of 1 year;
(B) Four members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years;
and
(C) Four members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
(3) Reappointment.--A member of the Board of Trustees may
be reappointed, except that no individual may serve on the
Board of Trustees for a total of more than 2 full terms. For
purposes of this paragraph, the number of terms an individual
serves on the Board of Trustees shall not include any portion
of a term for which an individual is appointed to fill a
vacancy under paragraph (4)(B).
(4) Vacancies.--
(A) In general.--A vacancy on the Board of Trustees--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the Board of Trustees;
and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment was made.
(B) Term.--Any member of the Board of Trustees appointed to
fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term
for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall be
appointed for the remainder of that term.
(e) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
member of the Board of Trustees shall serve without pay.
(2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Board of Trustees
shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu
of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an
agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United
States Code, while away from the home or regular place of
business of the member in the performance of the duties of
the Board of Trustees.
(f) Chairperson.--By a majority vote of its voting members,
the Board of Trustees shall elect a chairperson from its
members.
(g) Meetings.--
(1) In general.--The Board of Trustees shall meet at the
call of the chairperson or on the written request of a
majority of the voting members of the Board of Trustees, but
not fewer than twice each year.
(2) Meeting format.--Regularly scheduled meetings and
special meetings may be conducted in-person, telephonically,
electronically, or by any means appropriate as determined by
the chairperson.
(h) Quorum.--A majority of the voting members of the Board
of Trustees holding office shall constitute a quorum for the
purpose of conducting business, but a lesser number may
receive information on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF MUSEUM.

(a) Director.--
(1) In general.--The Museum shall have a Director who shall
be appointed by the Secretary in consultation with Board of
Trustees. The Secretary may appoint an interim Director to
oversee the initial activity of establishing the Museum until
a permanent Director is selected.
(2) Duties.--The Director shall manage the Museum subject
to the policies of the Board of Regents and the Board of
Trustees.
(b) Staff.--The Secretary may appoint 2 additional
employees to serve under the Director, except that such
additional employees may be appointed without regard to the
provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointments in the competitive service.
(c) Pay.--The employees appointed by the Secretary under
subsection (b) may be paid without regard to the provisions
of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5,
United States Code, relating to classification of positions
and General Schedule pay rates.

SEC. 7. EDUCATIONAL AND LIAISON PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--
(1) Programs authorized.--The Director of the Museum may
carry out educational and liaison programs in support of the
goals of the Museum.
(2) Specific activities.--In carrying out this section, the
Director shall--
(A) carry out educational programs relating to Latino life,
art, history, and culture, including--
(i) programs using digital, electronic, and interactive
technologies; and
(ii) programs carried out in collaboration with elementary
schools, secondary schools, and postsecondary schools; and
(B) consult with the Director of the Institute of Museum
and Library Services concerning the grant programs carried
out under subsection (b).
(b) Grant Programs.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Institute of Museum
and Library Services, in consultation with the Board of
Trustees and the Director of the Museum, shall establish and
carry out--
(A) a grant program with the purpose of improving
operations, care of collections, culturally appropriate
public outreach, and development of professional management
at American Latino museums;
(B) a grant program with the purpose of providing
internship and fellowship opportunities at American Latino
museums;
(C) a scholarship program, in partnership with Hispanic-
serving institutions, minority-serving institutions,
historically black colleges and universities, and other
institutions of higher education, with the purpose of
assisting individuals who are pursuing careers or carrying
out studies in the arts, humanities, and sciences in the
study of American Latino life, art, history, and culture;
(D) in cooperation with other museums, historical
societies, and educational institutions, a grant program with
the purpose of promoting the understanding of the Latin
American diaspora in the United States; and
(E) a grant program under which an American Latino museum
(including a nonprofit education organization the primary
mission of which is to promote the study of the Latin
American diaspora in the United States) may use funds
provided under the grant to increase an endowment fund
established by the museum (or organization) as of October 1,
2020, for the purposes of enhancing educational programming,
and maintaining and operating traveling educational exhibits.
(2) Clarification of treatment of museum.--In this
subsection, the term ``American Latino museum'' does not
include the Museum.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the Institute of Museum and Library
Services to carry out this subsection--
(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
(B) such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022 and
each succeeding fiscal year.

SEC. 8. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO BUILDING AND
SUPPORT FACILITIES.

(a) In General.--
(1) Location.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 24 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Board of Regents shall
designate a site for the Museum.
(B) Sites for consideration.--In designating a site under
subparagraph (A), the Board of Regents shall select from
among the following sites in the District of Columbia:
(i) The Arts and Industries Building of the Smithsonian
Institution, located on the National Mall at 900 Jefferson
Drive, Southwest, Washington, District of Columbia.
(ii) A vacant area bounded by Independence Avenue,
Jefferson Drive, Raoul Wallenberg Place, and 14th Street
Southwest, currently under the jurisdiction of the National
Park Service.
(iii) The area bounded by 3rd Street and 1st Street,
Northwest and Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue,
Northwest, as measured from curb to curb, currently under the
jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol.
(iv) The facility and grounds on the National Mall between
12th and 14th Streets, Southwest, and Jefferson Drive and
Independence Avenue, Southwest, currently under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture.
(v) Any other appropriate location as identified by the
Board of Trustees or Board of Regents.
(C) Transfer to smithsonian institution.--Except with
respect to a site described in clause (i) of subparagraph
(B), if the site designated for the Museum is in an area that
is under the administrative jurisdiction of another Federal
entity, as soon as practicable after the date on which the
designation is made, the head of the Federal entity shall
transfer to the Smithsonian Institution administrative
jurisdiction over the area selected for the site of the
Museum.
(D) Consultation.--The Board of Regents shall carry out its
duties under this paragraph in consultation with the
following:
(i) The Chair of the National Capital Planning Commission.
(ii) The Chair of the Commission of Fine Arts.
(iii) The Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission referred
to in section 9.
(iv) The Chair of the Building and Site Subcommittee of the
Commission referred to in section 9.
(v) The Chair and ranking minority member of each of the
following Committees:

(I) The Committee on Rules and Administration of the
Senate.
(II) The Committee on House Administration of the House of
Representatives.
(III) The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives.
(IV) The Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(V) The Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

(vi) The Architect of the Capitol.
(2) Size of building.--The building constructed or modified
to serve as the Museum shall occupy no less than the
recommended square footage set forth in the report submitted
by the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a
National Museum of the American Latino established under
section 333 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008
(110 Public Law 229; 122 Stat. 784).

[[Page H3866]]

(3) Construction of building.--The Board of Regents, in
consultation with the Board of Trustees and other appropriate
Federal and local agencies is authorized to prepare plans,
design, and construct a building or modify an existing
building for the Museum, which shall be located at the site
selected by the Board of Regents under this subsection.
(4) Nonapplicability of provisions relating to monuments,
commemorative, and other works on the national mall.--Chapter
89 of title 40, United States Code, shall not apply with
respect to the Museum.
(b) Cost Sharing.--The Board of Regents shall pay--
(1) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this section
from Federal funds; and
(2) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this section
from non-Federal sources.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out
this section.

SEC. 9. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMISSION.

In carrying out their duties under this Act, the Board of
Trustees and the Board of Regents shall take into
consideration the reports and plans submitted by the
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National
Museum of the American Latino established under section 333
of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (110 Public
Law 229; 122 Stat. 784).

SEC. 10. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE.

Authority under this Act to enter into contracts or to make
payments shall be effective in any fiscal year only to the
extent provided in advance in an appropriations Act.

SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Smithsonian Institution to carry out this Act, other than
sections 7(b) and 8--
(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
(2) such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year
thereafter.
(b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) shall
remain available until expended.
(c) Use of Funds for Fundraising.--Amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization under this section may be used
to conduct fundraising in support of the Museum from private
sources.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Aguilar) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.

General Leave

Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 2420.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, this bill and the creation of the National Museum of
the American Latino has traveled a long road, stretching back to 1994
and, legislatively, back to 2003, 17 years ago.
In 1994, the Smithsonian Institution Task Force on Latino Issues
issued a report, titled, ``Willful Neglect: The Smithsonian Institution
and U.S. Latinos.'' This report concluded that ``because of both
indigenous roots and Spanish heritage, Latinos predate the British in
the Americas. They have contributed significantly to every phase and
aspect of American history and culture. Yet the Smithsonian Institution
almost entirely excludes and ignores Latinos in nearly every aspect of
its operations.''
In 2003, our former colleague Representative Xavier Becerra
introduced a bill to establish a Commission to Study the Potential
Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino. Language
establishing this Commission was finally enacted in 2008.
In 2011, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the
National Museum of the American Latino issued its report. The
Commission reported that ``the time has come for the creation of the
new museum on The National Mall'' that ``reflects the contributions of
Latinos in every aspect of American history and culture.''
Since then, our colleague, Representative Jose Serrano, has carried
this legislation, and fought tirelessly to ensure American Latinos, our
history, our culture, and our contributions to this Nation are
recognized on The National Mall.
Representative Serrano has spent a career championing the civil
rights and civil liberties of all Americans; first, in the New York
State Assembly, where he served for 16 years, and then in the House,
where he served for 30 years. He has educated us on everything from
Puerto Rico to New York, to the story of American Latinos, to, yes, a
little bit of Sinatra, too.
I remember a committee hearing last year, shortly after
Representative Serrano announced his retirement, where he told the
committee: ``If you want to give me a going away present that I will
cherish forever, give me a museum.''
It is true that there are plans to open the Molina Family Latino
Gallery at the American History Museum, which is a step in the right
direction. But to once again quote Representative Serrano: ``No matter
how hard we try, hundreds of years of history, art, and culture cannot
be contained in one 4,500-square-foot exhibit. We deserve a dedicated
museum of our own in the heart of Washington, D.C. We need a Latino
Museum.''
Mr. Serrano is right: We need a Latino Museum.
H.R. 2420 follows the plan for the creation of the National Museum of
African American History and Culture. It would establish the position
of director, as well as board of trustees, and follows the successful
cost-sharing framework of the National Museum of African American
History and Culture by providing for a 50/50 split between Federal and
non-Federal funds in constructing the museum and support facilities.
Let me remind my colleagues of the history of the National Museum of
African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016. This
history stretches back to 1988, 28 long years. And it took 16 years
since the legislation establishing the museum for the museum to open
its doors.
Passage of this bill today is not the first step in realizing the
creation of the National Museum of the American Latino, nor is it the
final step, but it is an important milestone on a decades'-long journey
and the culmination of years of effort and advocacy by Representative
Serrano, my Hispanic Caucus colleagues, and countless outside
advocates.
The Latino community represents one-sixth of the American population.
Latinos are an integral part of our history and culture and have been
at the center of American progress for generations. And yet, study
after study has shown that the story of this community within the
broader scope of American history has not been told.
Passage of H.R. 2420 brings us closer to being able to tell this
story, a story intertwined with the very history of our country. This
is a story that deserves to be honored and recognized.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this H.R. 2420, and
for my colleagues in the Senate to pass it quickly and send it to the
President for his signature so that we can begin the journey of
realizing this important addition to the story of all Americans.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC, June 22, 2020.
Hon. Zoe Lofgren,
Chair, Committee on House Administration,
House of Representatives, Washington DC.
Dear Chair Lofgren: In recognition of the goal of
expediting consideration of H.R. 2420, the ``National Museum
of the American Latino Act,'' the Committee on Natural
Resources agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as
to provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the
Committee on Natural Resources.
The Committee on Natural Resources takes this action with
the mutual understanding that, in doing so, we do not waive
any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or
similar legislation, and that the Committee will be
appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar
legislation moves forward so that we may address any
remaining issues within our jurisdiction. Our Committee also
reserves the right to seek appointment of conferees to any
House-Senate conference involving this or similar
legislation.
Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters
in the Congressional Record. I appreciate your cooperation
regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to
work with you as this measure moves through the legislative
process.
Sincerely,

Raul M. Grijalva,

Chair,
House Natural Resources Committee.

[[Page H3867]]

____
House of Representatives,

Committee on House Administration,

Washington, DC, June 22, 2020.
Hon. Raul Grijalva,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Grijalva: Thank you for your letter regarding
H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act.
This bill was referred primarily to the Committee on House
Administration, with additional referrals to the Committee on
Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
I recognize that this bill contains provisions that fall
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural
Resources. I appreciate your Committee's willingness to be
discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2420 and
acknowledge that this discharge is not a waiver of future
jurisdictional claims by the Committee on Natural Resources
over this subject matter and will not prejudice your
Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees if
this were to be necessary.
I would be pleased to include your letter and this response
in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of
H.R. 2420.
Sincerely,
Zoe Lofgren,
Chairperson.
____

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, June 23, 2020.
Hon. Zoe Lofgren,
Chairperson, Committee on House Administration, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairperson Lofgren: I write concerning H.R. 2420, the
National Museum of the American Latino Act. There are certain
provisions in this legislation that fall within the Rule X
jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
In order to expedite floor consideration of H.R. 2420, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure agrees to
forgo action on the bill. However, this is conditional on our
mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill
would not prejudice the Committee with respect to the
appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional
claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or
similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X
jurisdiction. I also request that you urge the Speaker to
name members of this Committee to any conference committee
which is named to consider such provisions.
Please place a copy of this letter and your response
acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the committee
report on H.R. 2420 and into the Congressional Record during
consideration of the measure on the House floor.
Sincerely,
Peter A. DeFazio,
Chair.
____

House of Representatives,

Committee on House Administration,

Washington, DC, June 24, 2020.
Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman DeFazio: Thank you for your letter regarding
H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act.
This bill was referred primarily to the Committee on House
Administration, with additional referrals to the Committee on
Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
I recognize that this bill contains provisions that fall
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure. I appreciate your Committee's willingness
to be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2420 and
acknowledge that this discharge is not a waiver of future
jurisdictional claims by the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure over this subject matter and will not
prejudice your Committee with respect to the appointment of
conferees if this were to be necessary.
I would be pleased to include your letter and this response
in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of
H.R. 2420.
Sincerely,
Zoe Lofgren,
Chairperson.

Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
I, too, agree with my friend from California: Mr. Serrano was right.
This is something we need to do.
And I will probably catch some flack for it later from him, but I
have to say Mr. Aguilar is correct: We ought to do something to honor
the Latino community that has made our country the greatest country in
the history of the world.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the underlying legislation
that would create the first Smithsonian museum honoring Latinos. Again,
our country would not be what it is today without their contributions.
More than 18 percent of our population is Latino. Sixteen percent of
the men and women serving in our military heroically are Latino. You
don't have to look too far to see their contribution to the brave men
and women in our police forces throughout this Nation. Also, every
essential workforce that we see in America today is populated with
hardworking American Latinos. I would also be remiss if I didn't
mention, of course, a third of Major League Baseball players are
Latino.
And, unfortunately, we are not going to get to see who would win the
Congressional Baseball Game this year. I think it was our year; I truly
do. And I do certainly miss being able to jaw with my good friends, Mr.
Aguilar and Mr. Cardenas, while they came up to the plate while I was
playing catcher in that game. And I will tell you, the Latino
contribution to Congressional baseball has led to many more victories
than I would have liked, because I would like to win again this year.
Earlier this year, the House Administration Committee had a hearing
on the possibility of creating this museum to specifically honor
Latinos. This was an important step that hasn't been done on other
issues that we face in this Congress, because hearings give us an
opportunity to ask important questions about the complexities of
creating a world-class museum. And I am, again, glad Chairperson
Lofgren led the effort in getting this done.
At the hearing, we discussed the Smithsonian's current struggles in
handling the maintenance of their numerous facilities. In fact,
Chairperson Lofgren and I sent a letter last fall to appropriators
asking for robust funding to address the Smithsonian's current
maintenance and repair needs, which have now reached nearly $1 billion.
The lack of upkeep has led to damaged collections and building
closures. It is concerning to me to hear how much the Smithsonian is
struggling to take care of their current facilities, not to mention the
possibility of creating new ones.
This brings me to another concern: the cost of a new museum. And the
most recent Smithsonian museum constructed, the National Museum of
African American History and Culture, truly a work of art and history,
cost $555 million. That was nearly $200 million more than the
Commission estimated.
Given the current billion-dollar backlog, costs are always important
to consider, particularly as we envision what museums will look like in
a post-pandemic America. I bring these costs up, not to say this is an
impossible task ahead of us; it is to make sure that we learn from the
mistakes of the previous cultural giants like the last museum that was
built. As we look at the contributions of Latinos, we need to be
realistic about the current restraints of the Smithsonian.
Additionally, I am glad this legislation includes a provision
requiring all political viewpoints to be represented, because I believe
it is important we respect our diversity and all cultures throughout
the Smithsonian. No Smithsonian, no museum in America, should put a
political litmus test on what Americans get to learn from. This is what
makes our country great.
Madam Speaker, I hope the Smithsonian Institute takes my concerns
seriously as this great initiative moves forward, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Cardenas), a strong supporter of the legislation.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I also yield 2 minutes
to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas).
Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, it is unusual, but look at this
bipartisan effort together here. This is an amazing moment.
As mentioned, our colleague, Jose Serrano, has been a champion on
this cause for many years, and I miss him dearly, and I look forward to
seeing him very, very soon.
There are more than 58 million reasons why we need a National Museum
of the American Latino:
Since the founding of our great Nation, Latinos have been largely
invisible and excluded from the history books.
Our community has been used as scapegoats for the problems America
faces.
We are looked at as ``others,'' and have been made to feel like
outsiders in our own country.

[[Page H3868]]

{time} 1015

The root of this problem stems from a lack of knowledge of and
appreciation for Latino contributions to America's success.
Now, more than ever, when Latinos are being vilified and spoken of as
``less than,'' the American people deserve to learn the truth of our
history and our heritage. The American Latino Museum is essential to
sharing the stories and the journey of Latinos in America. From
America's original sin of Native American genocide, the American Civil
War, and through the civil rights movement, to the horrors of the
deadly El Paso shooting, where 23 people were killed at the hands of a
murderer who drove hundreds of miles with the sole intent of killing as
many Mexicans as possible; we must teach our entire history, the
beautiful, the glorious, and the horrors and the injustices. Our story
is the story of the United States of America.
If we truly want to build a country that works for everyone, we must
start by including everyone. We owe it to ourselves and our children to
learn about Latino history in America. That is exactly what museums are
for: To teach and inspire. And for years, I, along with Congressmembers
Serrano, Hurd, Sanchez, Roybal-Allard, Aguilar and many others have
worked tirelessly to gain bipartisan support in finally establishing a
Latino Museum. We understand its symbolic and historical significance
for our country.
Latinos make up 17 percent--more than 58 million people--of the
United States population, and they are the largest and fastest growing
ethnic group in America. Hispanic Americans contribute more than $2.3
trillion to the United States economy every year. That GDP would make
itself a country of the eighth largest economy in the world. People
like my brother-in-law who was born in Mexico, served in the United
States Army, and was shot and wounded while fighting for our country in
Vietnam. His story deserves to be heard. Today, there are more than
200,000 Hispanic Active-Duty servicemembers serving in the United
States Armed Forces. Sixty Hispanic Americans have received the
Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action
against an enemy force that can be bestowed on an individual serving in
the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Our story is America's story, and Latino history is American history.
Latino leaders were key players during the U.S. civil rights movement.
Historical movements like the Chicano civil rights and labor movements,
which included some of the largest student walkouts in American
history, are not taught in our classrooms. Americans like Dolores
Huerta, who was beaten within an inch of her life, and Navy veteran
Cesar Chavez, have been instrumental in securing American workers'
rights. In the face of relentless brutality and adversity, Huerta and
Chavez remained committed to nonviolence while fighting for
farmworkers' rights, workers who were maimed or died while working in
the fields and cast aside like forgotten fruit by farmowners. Dolores
and Cesar prevailed by establishing the first farmworkers union in the
United States, forever changing the course of this Nation for the
better.
There are countless stories of American Latinos; stories of
perseverance, dedication, and beating the odds to achieve their dreams;
like the story of my friend and astronaut Jose Hernandez. Jose grew up
in a poor farmworker family. As a child, he would work in the fields
before sunrise and look up at the stars, dreaming of going to space.
Jose followed that dream through his college career as a scientist and
engineer. His journey took him from the fields of California as a
farmworker to the NASA space program. Jose applied to the NASA space
program 13 times, to be rejected 12 times. After his thirteenth
attempt, he was finally accepted into the program and fulfilled his
childhood dream, becoming the first astronaut to communicate back to
Earth in Spanish from space. Jose's story is a story of perseverance,
dedication, and unshakeable will. Jose's inspiring story deserves to be
heard and shared so that every child, regardless of race or personal
circumstances, can achieve his or her dreams. Like little Joaquin, or
Jimena, or little Sky, or little Sage; they deserve those inspirations
to see somebody who looks like them achieve their dreams.
A National Latino Museum is a fitting and appropriate way for all
Americans to celebrate and learn the truth about how Latinos have
contributed to our great country; to honor Latinos who are on the
frontlines and who, literally, gave their lives in service of our
Nation. A Smithsonian museum dedicated to Latino history and culture
would educate the American public on the stories of American Latinos
that are excluded from our museums, schools, and history books.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30
seconds to the gentleman from California.
Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, it is time we establish a national
museum devoted to American Latino history and culture. We are a great
Nation, but this Nation is incomplete without giving the honor and
respect that every single community deserves.
I thank my colleagues for this opportunity to share this beautiful
moment with all of America so that we can make this museum real.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler), the Latino leader in
the Republican Conference and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on
Legislative Branch Appropriations.
Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
I rise today in support of the National Museum of the American Latino
Act.
The National Mall is the most-visited national park, with over 25
million visitors each year. It is nicknamed ``America's front yard.''
It is a testament to the accomplishments, history, and diversity of the
people that make up these United States of America.
However, there are almost 60 million Americans whose stories,
contributions, and traditions do not have a platform or a spotlight
here. Millions of us, both Mexican Americans like me, and people of
other heritages, value those contributions to our Union and want to see
that platform become part of our country's message.

Let me say, I so believe this spotlight needs to happen, in part,
because my generation of Hispanics, we didn't have the Spanish language
passed on to us, in part, because it wasn't popular to tout that. Now,
more than ever, most of us have had to learn it through things like
wonderful products, or in college, or in high school, which is awesome;
but I want to see that pride of passing that language down and
preserving the culture, as it is an American culture; and what better
opportunity would we have than to highlight it here in America's front
yard.
The story of the American Latino is woven into the fabric of this
Nation. Latinos have fought in every U.S. war since the American
Revolution and settled in parts of the United States before the arrival
of Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock.
Latinos are a crucial part of the American identity. There are those
of us who have explored space, like astronaut Ellen Ochoa. We've
brought innovation to the world, like inventor Elena Medo. We have done
things that few other athletes in the world could do, like baseball
legend Edgar Martinez of my home State in Washington, the Seattle
Mariners. And I am proud to note personally that we have helped shape
our Nation's laws by serving in Congress.
I have had the amazing opportunity to be the first and only Hispanic
Member of Congress, House or Senate, to have served from Washington
State. I would like to highlight that it was my predominantly White,
smaller corner of what I will call the best part of the Pacific
Northwest that bestowed upon me this amazing honor.
Hispanic Americans represent the heart of the American Dream: Strong
family values, amazing work ethic, strong faith in community and in
civics. My first or second term here I remember walking down the
National Mall and seeing a protest, and it was a very peaceful protest,
unlike some that I have seen. It was families, and they were walking
side-by-side, and they

[[Page H3869]]

were wrapping themselves in the American flag. To me, they represent
the best of us.
I look forward to visiting the National Museum of the American Latino
and sharing these stories with my children, these American stories.
Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this legislation.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Grijalva), a key advocate and champion of this
legislation, and chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to
give me an opportunity to speak on behalf of H.R. 2420, legislation
introduced by our esteemed friend and colleague, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Serrano), a pioneer and a powerful advocate for Latino people
in his time in this Congress. And the whole Nation, all Americans have
benefited from his work, and we are all grateful for what he has done
for many people in this country.
I have a brief story. You will hear a lot about the statistical
importance and the history that needs to be told, but I have a brief
story. You know, I am a first-generation American citizen. My parents
migrated and immigrated into this country with the distinct goal of
giving their kids a chance. And to that end, they did. But, see, my
story is not unique, nor is it, for that matter, extraordinary. It is
the story that binds all the diversity of Latinos together, a shared
experience and a shared demand for respect, fairness, and to be treated
as equals.
The Latino Museum, this vote, comes at a time of forced divisions in
this country, attempts to demonize and marginalize Latinos by the
highest voice in this land. Our American history and identity are also
Latino history and identity and, through this history, the United
States exists.
Latino history, like American history, is ongoing, it is evolving,
but to tell the full stories, the scars, the current wounds, the
changes, the unsung leaders in all arenas, with that story also comes
hope. And today and tomorrow, as we honor our great friend and leader
and beacon, John Lewis, here at the Capitol, for being the person that
he was, and a great American--you know, my proudest moment and
privilege was to be arrested with him in a civil disobedience protest
on behalf of immigrants, DACA recipients, and their families.
So today, we are voting for 2420, and we are saying ``yes'' to the
Latino Museum, but I think, more importantly, this ``yes'' vote by
Congress is also a vote that extends respect, provides acknowledgment,
provides equity, and begins to tell the story of all Americans in this
country.
Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hurd), my good friend, a gentleman who has
been leading on Latino issues in our Republican Conference, and someone
who bravely served our country in the CIA, but also, will be greatly
missed in this institution.
Mr. HURD of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Latinos became the largest ethnic group in the United States in 2008
and, well before 2060, will make up 25 percent of the American
population. In spite of their essential relevance to our country's
intellectual and cultural life, the task force that the gentleman from
California spoke about that was commissioned in 1994 by the secretary
of the Smithsonian Institution found that, ``U.S. Latinos and Latinas
are the only major contributor to American civilization still
uncelebrated by any specific, systemic, permanent effort in this
country's major cultural institution.'' We are rectifying this
situation today.
The National Mall is America's front yard, and it draws millions of
visitors every year to some of the best museums and monuments that
honor our most revered citizens. Half of all Americans will visit the
National Mall in their lifetime, but there is nothing to the American
Latino. To fully understand American history, we need a museum for the
American Latino and Latina.

Historian Dr. Peter Stearns has said: ``History helps us understand
people and societies, helps us understand change and how the society we
live in came to be. History contributes to moral understanding,
provides identity, and studying it is essential for good citizenship.''
At a time of intense public debate about whitewashing history, we
should jump at the chance to collect, present, and protect in one place
artifacts, stories, and collections that reflect our entire history.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture had one
million visitors in its first 4 months. If this is any indication of
the potential success for a museum of the American Latino, this
investment will be well worth it.
Many incredible people have fought to bring to life the idea of a
national museum for the American Latino.
Robert McCormick Adams, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution,
commissioned the 1994 task force.
Raul Yzaguirre chaired the task force, with his vice chair Mari
Carmen, and they have been fighting for this museum for 25 years.
In 2004, my friend and former colleague, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, along
with another former colleague, Xavier Becerra, first introduced
legislation to establish the museum.
Henry Munoz, a fellow San Antonian, served faithfully as chairman for
the National Museum of the American Latino Commission with his vice
chair, Susan Gonzales from California. They authored a report on how to
achieve this vision.
And another organization critical to the success of this initiative,
Friends of the American Latino, whose chair, Danny Vargas, vice chair,
Ivette Fernandez, and CEO, Estuardo Rodriguez, have toiled to make this
a reality.
Today, Congress gets to fulfill the work of these folks and many
more. If we want to understand this experiment we call America, then we
must understand ourselves, and we can't do that unless we understand
all of our Nation's history.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this landmark piece of
legislation. I am proud to associate my name with Ranking Member Davis,
who has been a champion of this, to see this go to fruition, and the
distinguished gentlemen from California (Mr. Aguilar), my good friend,
and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas), and, of course, the
distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano).

{time} 1030

Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader of our Caucus and an
incredible advocate and supporter for years of this piece of
legislation.
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I join my colleague, Mr. Aguilar, and I thank him and Mr. Davis for
bringing this to the floor.
Madam Speaker, I echo but I will not repeat all the words of the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hurd), who has been a real leader in this
House. I thank him for his remarks and his acknowledgment of the
importance of the Latina and Latino population to our country and the
contributions they have made.
Madam Speaker, I want to rise and thank Representative Serrano and
the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for leading this effort.
As the Speaker knows, Mr. Serrano is one of my closest friends. The
dean of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been one of the most
effective and hardworking Members of this House, and he will be missed
next year when he retires after 30 years representing New Yorkers. He
has been and will continue to be a dear, dear friend.
This is also a very meaningful day for all the members of the
Hispanic Caucus, including our colleague and friend, Representative
Lucille Roybal-Allard, whose father, Ed Roybal, was a dear friend of
mine and on whose committee I served, and who was the founder of the
caucus, with others. It started with five members in 1976. Today, it
has 38 members.
I am proud to join Representative Serrano and the Congressional
Hispanic Caucus on this bill and bring it to the floor today.
For more than 500 years, half a millennium, Latinos have been a part
of our American story. Through medicine, education, innovation, public
service, the military, athletics, and the arts,

[[Page H3870]]

Latinos and Latinas have strengthened our economy, enriched our
heritage, and have made America a safer and more prosperous Nation.
The story of America is incomplete without the story of the American
Latino.
That is why a national museum of the American Latino is so critical
and appropriate. I know that it will be a wonderful addition to the
Smithsonian Institution and our National Mall.
At a time, Madam Speaker, when many people, including in our
government at the highest levels, denigrate, discriminate, and target
Latinos, we need this museum to recognize the service and the
extraordinary assets that the Latino community has brought to America.
I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in
supporting this bill, as I believe they will.
I look forward to the day when we can walk through the doors of the
Smithsonian's newest museum and experience the full richness and
diversity of Latino cultures and how they have helped to make America
great.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I would inquire how much time remains on
each side.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar)
has 8\1/2\ minutes remaining. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney
Davis) has 7 minutes remaining.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Panetta).
Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Aguilar and Ranking Member
Davis for their work in bringing this bill to the floor.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Museum of the
American Latino Act, this bipartisan legislation that would establish a
new museum at the Smithsonian to share the Latino American experience,
not just with the Nation, but with the world, an experience that we
know all too well in my district on the central coast of California, an
experience that has not been told enough, but one this country is
somewhat familiar with, sacrificing so much to come to this country to
give their children better lives, living the American Dream, but by
doing so, contributing so much, not just to their families, but to our
culture, to our economy, and, of course, our communities.
By fighting for security abroad in all American wars, to fighting for
dignity at home in the grape wars, to influencing our arts, our
agriculture, our sciences, and sports, the contributions Latinos have
made to American culture and history are innumerable and must always be
told.
I say this not just because it is deserved; I say this because Latino
history is our history. That is why the Latino experience should be
captured, portrayed, and highlighted in our Nation's museum at the
Smithsonian.
I look forward to voting on this bipartisan bill and watching this
pass on a bipartisan basis.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Garcia).
Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, first, I want to thank the
gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar), and all those founding mothers
and fathers who, many years ago, thought about this museum and how
important it would be to add to the fabric of our country in our own
backyard, an American Latino museum.
I stand here today, proudly, because I still remember in 2014 hosting
a reception for the museum to try to raise money, to try to raise
awareness, to make sure that people understood why it was so needed.
So, I stand proudly today to support this bill, because, as Latinos,
60 million strong and growing, we have a place to be, and that is in
the museum.
Latinos contribute billions to our economy and are starting more
small businesses than any group, and during this pandemic, we have
worked essential jobs that have kept our country moving forward.
It is time for Latinos to see our contributions, our culture, and our
history reflected in all institutions, including the Smithsonian
museums.
More importantly, it is time for our children to come to a museum and
see the stories of their own heritage, their own culture, and their own
language.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and
Republicans, to support this very important bill.
(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)
Latino history is American history.
Nuestra historia es historia Americana.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), a member of the Judiciary Committee and a key
advocate for civil rights.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 2
minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlemen for allowing me
the privilege of joining my brothers and sisters in the Hispanic Caucus
for really a moment of history in this historic legislation authored by
our dear friend, Congressman Serrano from New York, the National Museum
of the American Latino Act.
Madam Speaker, I have watched Congressman Serrano for all the years
that he has served, and I do want to take this moment to say what an
honor to have been able to serve with him.
He walked among giants as a civil rights activist in this Congress.
You could always count on his voice for upholding civil rights and
justice, and his leadership on the Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee is well evident. I thank
him again for his leadership.
In the opening findings of this legislation, it says: ``The United
States is a symbol of democracy, freedom, and economic opportunity
around the world, and the legacy of Latinos is deeply rooted in the
very fabric of the history, democracy, freedom, and economic
opportunity of the United States.''
It is long overdue for our memory to be able to reflect that that is
true across this Nation.
I have had the privilege in Texas to count as some very dear friends
the entire Hispanic-Latin community, and it is in their name so many
heroes and sheroes in our community walked alongside so many of us for
justice of any kind.
I have had the privilege of going with members of the Hispanic Caucus
to fight against the devastation and dastardly acts of children in
cages and human beings in cages and disrespecting those who would want
to be equal in this Nation.
In addition, I have seen the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who
wore the uniform whose family members were yet not citizens of the
United States.
I fight along with my brothers and sisters against the dastardly act
of this administration to not count undocumented persons.
We know that this Nation was formed in the Constitution by the words
to ``form a more perfect Union.''
How do you have a perfect Union without the historic recognition of
the Latino community and how they built the pillars of this Nation?
Let me say how exciting it will be for children and others to be able
to come there.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for this legislation having
scholarship opportunities for African Americans, Hispanics, and others
to do their work in the arts.
I want to conclude my remarks by highlighting the respect and
friendship of Caesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King. I do that in
the recognition of my good friend Dolores Huerta, as well, who was
mentioned previously. What a fighter for justice. What a traditional
mother, if you will, in her fight and embracing the fight. She never
gave up and never gave in.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30
seconds to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
the additional time.
These words are from Dr. Martin Luther King: ``I am deeply moved by
your

[[Page H3871]]

courage in fasting as your personal sacrifice for justice through
nonviolence. Your past and present commitment is eloquent testimony to
the constructive power of nonviolent action and the destructive
impotence of violent reprisal. You stand today as a living example of
the Gandhian tradition with its great force for social progress.''
They never met, but I honor both of them, and I honor this museum.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlemen for giving me the opportunity to
speak, and I ask for support of the legislation.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Cisneros).
Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Museum of the
American Latino Act.
The Latino community has and continues to play a pivotal role in the
growth and success of the United States. For hundreds of years, Latinos
have been at the forefront of the fight for justice, equality, and
opportunity, breaking barriers and advancing rights for all Americans.
In Orange County, in the 1940s, five Mexican-American families
challenged school segregation. In the landmark case of Mendez v.
Westminster, they paved the way for desegregating schools in
California. It influenced the historic Brown v. Board of Education
ruling 7 years later.
People should know this story. From education to science and politics
to art, Latinos and Latinas have been pioneers, leaders, innovators,
and game changers. Latino history is American history.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Serrano for championing
this cause. It deserves a place on The National Mall.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of the
National Museum of the American Latino Act.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Cuellar), another strong advocate of the legislation.
Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I also rise in support of H.R. 2420 for several reasons.
If you look at the impact of the Hispanic culture here in the United
States, all you have to do is go back. The first language that was ever
spoken in the United States, a European language, was Spanish.
The first settlement in the United States was St. Augustine, Florida.
And if you look at the impact that the Spanish culture has had on the
U.S., all you have to do is look at the State symbols like the State
coats of arms, seals, and flags, and you will see that the coats of
arms and the flags of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Montana, New
Mexico, Texas, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, St. Louis, San
Diego, Baton Rouge, Riverside, Pensacola, Cupertino, and St. Augustine
all have the symbol.
Finally, let me just say this as I close. Even the U.S. dollar has
had an impact. When the Spanish explorers developed settlements in the
United States, they brought along the trading coins, or Spanish
dollars, that were used regularly by the people in that region.

{time} 1045

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman
from Texas an additional 30 seconds.
Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, in 1775, the Spanish dollar was announced
as the first currency with legal use in the United States, and this was
approved by the Continental Congress, suggested by Thomas Jefferson.
The design of the American dollar in 1792 was based off its Spanish
counterpart. All you have to do is look at the dollar sign, and you
will see the Spanish influence.
Again, the Spanish culture has had an influence, and I certainly ask
all Members to support this legislation.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee).
Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to support this
legislation--long overdue.
I want to say to Congressman Serrano how I have witnessed his
persistence and his commitment, and I want to thank the gentleman so
much for finally getting this bill to the floor and making it a
bipartisan bill.
I was born and raised, of course, in El Paso, Texas, and the
wonderful history of our Latino community finally now, as a result of
this bill, will be brought forth for the American public and really for
the public and for the world to see and recognize and lift up.
Madam Speaker, I just want to say to Congressman Serrano, and to all
of those who are supporting this, that the beauty of diversity in this
country is what makes America America. This is another step toward
achieving that perfect Union. All of our young people, everyone
throughout the world, need to understand the history and the heritage
of the Latino community.
To think that it is going to be now part of the Smithsonian on The
Mall is just really exciting, and I hope we pass this today in a
bipartisan way.
I want to thank all of you and thank Congressman Serrano for giving
us the privilege to support such a historic effort.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline).
Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I want to begin by thanking Congressman Serrano for his persistent
leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this
legislation in a very strong bipartisan vote.
It is important we celebrate and understand the history of the Latino
community in this country and the contributions they have made since
the very beginning of this country and continue to make today.
I come from a State, the State of Rhode Island, where a very diverse
and vibrant Latino community has made an extraordinary difference in
the State of Rhode Island. We have leaders from the Latino community in
business, in the arts, in politics, and in education. We have been
blessed in so many ways by the extraordinary contributions of Latinos
in Rhode Island and all throughout our country.
This is a wonderful way to celebrate that history and honor this
great community. I urge everyone to support the bill.
Muchisimas gracias a todos.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to be
here to support this project; it is an honor to be able to stand here
with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle; and it is an honor to
give as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Hurd), my good friend, so that he can close out this debate on our
side.
Mr. HURD of Texas. Madam Speaker, at a time with incredibly divisive
politics, we are showing that we can actually come together for the
betterment of our society as a whole.
The fact that there have been folks from well over a quarter of a
century fighting and toiling to make this a reality is an example for
all of us. And the fact that everybody here today in this Chamber has
an opportunity to play a small part in that is quite exciting.
I think, 10 years from now, when there is a 6-year-old kid walking in
the new Smithsonian museum for the American Latino, and they see
something about Pete Aguilar, it is going to be an exciting opportunity
for me in the future, and I am glad to play a small part.
Again, I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on this landmark piece of
legislation.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I certainly hope that
that exhibit honoring Pete Aguilar is not because of winning the
Congressional Baseball Game, but I would be glad to see any exhibit
honoring many of our colleagues who have served, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. AGUILAR. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member for
his support of this legislation, and the gentleman from Texas, who
never misses an opportunity to give shout-outs to San Antonio and the
individuals associated with this who are from San Antonio.

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I should also thank Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren from the House
Administration Committee, who worked with Mr. Davis and who guided this
legislation through the committee so we can have an opportunity to vote
on it.
This is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation, and I tip my hat to
Mr. Hurd and Ms. Herrera Beutler for whipping votes and getting some
colleagues to be supportive as well and, as Mr. Hurd mentioned, the
Friends of the American Latino Museum, an outside group that has been
supportive of this legislation in a key way and stands ready to work
with us to accomplish this mission.
As my colleagues have said, the time is now. It is important to pass
this piece of legislation. It is important to start this process and to
recognize the rich contributions that Latinos have made to American
history.
Madam Speaker, once again, I would just like to urge my colleagues to
support H.R. 2420, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2420, as
amended.
H.R. 2420 would establish the National Museum of the American Latino
in the Smithsonian Institution and begin the process of bringing bricks
and mortar reality to the dream of having a museum dedicated to telling
another part of the American story.
The genesis of this museum dates to 1994 and a Smithsonian task force
report titled ``Willful Neglect: The Smithsonian Institution and U.S.
Latinos.'' This report found a serious underrepresentation of Latinos
and their contributions to our history at the Smithsonian.
In 2008 a commission was established to study the need for a museum.
In 2011, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National
Museum of the American Latino issued its report. The Commission
reported that ``the time has come for the creation of a new museum on
the National Mall'' that ``reflects the contributions of Latinos to
every aspect of American History and Culture.''
In February, I was pleased to chair a hearing examining this and
other opportunities for growth at the Smithsonian. At that hearing, our
colleague and sponsor of this legislation, Representative Jose Serrano
testified that ``Latinos have left an indelible mark on our nation's
history and helped shape it in ways that most Americans, and even many
in our own community, are unaware. We have served in every war since
the American Revolution, fighting bravely and paying a heavy price on
behalf of our Nation. We write award-winning Broadway plays and films.
We are sports heroes and legends. We have been on the frontlines of the
fights for civil rights. We have shaped the music we all dance to, the
food we eat, and countless other staples of American life.
But Latino art and history is noticeably absent from recognition in
many cultural institutions across the Nation, including the
Smithsonian. To deny the telling of these stories not only does a
disservice to our contributions and sacrifices, but also renders
American history incomplete. There is no doubt that without the
significant contributions of Latinos, the country we know today would
be much different.''
Passage of the measure before us is just the next step in this
journey. But it is a critical one. I will remind my colleagues that
these projects, even once authorized, take many years to complete. The
legislation authorizing the National Museum of African American History
and Culture was enacted in 2003, and that wonderful museum opened its
doors in 2016.
At the hearing in February I noted that I represent San Jose and
Santa Clara county. San Jose is home to northern California's largest
Mexican American community. For years, I have seen firsthand how this
community, and all of the communities in my district embody the
American experience, and the stories that each tell make the story of
America richer and more complete.
Later today we will say honor the life of our colleague, the late
Representative John Lewis. At the 50th anniversary of the March on
Washington, John said ``We are one people; we are only family. We are
all living in the same house--not just the American house but the world
house. And when we finally accept these truths, then we will be able to
fulfill Dr. King's dream to build a beloved community, a nation, and a
world at peace with itself.''
Telling the stories of Latino Americans is necessary part of building
a beloved community.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2420 and take the next step in
this important journey.
Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R.
2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act, a bipartisan
piece of legislation that will help elevate and promote the stories of
the Latino community in the United States.
The Latino community represents over one-sixth of the American
population. Their contributions to the history of the United States
throughout the centuries has been both significant and fundamental.
Whether it be through their advancements to American innovation, to
serving faithfully and heroically in every American war, the Latino and
Latina population has always been steadfast in their commitment to the
United States and its values.
Since my appointment to the Smithsonian Board of Regents in 2019, I
have continued to voice my strong support for this legislation, and I
am proud the Latino community is one step closer to finally having
their legacy forever enshrined on the National Mall.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate Congressman Serrano and Congressman
Hurd on their tireless work advancing this legislation, and I urge all
my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 2420.
Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2420,
the National Museum of the American Latino Act. This legislation would
establish a National Museum of the American Latino within the
Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
dedicated to celebrating the significant historical, cultural, and
artistic contributions of Latinos in the United States.
With a population of more than 60 million, Latinos are the largest
minority ethnic group in the United States and the territories. They
have accounted for nearly half of the Nation's population growth since
2010. However, Latinos continue facing systemic underrepresentation in
the halls of Congress, Hollywood, academia, corporate America, and
nearly every aspect of American life. This disparity also exists within
our nation's cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian.
We must not forget that Latinos were here before the founding of our
country. They have fought in every American war since the Revolution.
They have also been at the forefront of every historical moment that
has helped shape our way of life, from the fight for labor rights to
the fight for gay rights. These stories are nearly absent from our
textbooks and classrooms, but they are essential to learning who we are
as a Nation. Simply put, Latino history is American history.
It has been 26 years since the Smithsonian acknowledged its own lack
of Latino representation with their 1994 report, Willful Neglect.
It has been 17 years since former Representatives Xavier Becerra of
California and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida introduced the first bill
to create a commission to study the potential creation of a Latino
Museum and 12 years since it became law.
It has been more than eight years since the 23-member National Museum
of the American Latino Commission presented a detailed plan to
President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress laying out the blueprint
to get us there.
We cannot wait any longer. It is time for Congress to act.
Latinos deserve a dedicated space in the heart of Washington, D.C.
where our experiences can be shared with the world. Today, we finally
begin the process of setting that plan into motion.
I am proud to have led this effort in the House of Representatives
during the 116th Congress and my final term in office, along with my
colleague Will Hurd of Texas. This was a true team effort.
I also want to thank my colleagues from California, Tony Cardenas and
Pete Aguilar, for their tremendous efforts. From building record
support with 295 bipartisan cosponsors to leading today's debate on the
House floor.
I want to thank Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro
and all my colleagues with the CHC for their steadfast support of this
project from the very beginning.
I want to thank Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva,
Ranking Member Don Young, and Subcommittee Chair Deb Haaland for their
leadership in holding the first legislative hearing on the bill last
October.
I want to thank House Administration Chairperson Zoe Lofgren and
Ranking Member Rodney Davis for favorably reporting the bill out of
committee.
Finally, I would especially like to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi and
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for their commitment in bringing this bill
before the full House of Representatives for a vote today.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2420 and help get us one step
closer to turning this dream into a reality.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2420, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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