[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4479-H4482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMISSION TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF A NATIONAL MUSEUM OF 
             ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE ACT

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3525) to establish the Commission to Study the Potential 
Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and 
Culture, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3525

       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 ``Commission To Study the 
     Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific 
     American History and Culture Act''.

     SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--There is established the Commission to 
     Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian 
     Pacific American History and Culture (hereafter in this Act 
     referred to as the ``Commission'').
       (b) Membership.--The Commission shall be composed of 8 
     members, of whom--
       (1) 2 members shall be appointed by the majority leader of 
     the Senate;
       (2) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives;
       (3) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of 
     the Senate; and
       (4) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (c) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be 
     appointed to the Commission from among individuals, or 
     representatives of institutions or entities, who possess--
       (1)(A) a demonstrated commitment to the research, study, or 
     promotion of Asian Pacific American history, art, political 
     or economic status, or culture; and
       (B)(i) expertise in museum administration;
       (ii) expertise in fundraising for nonprofit or cultural 
     institutions;
       (iii) experience in the study and teaching of Asian Pacific 
     American history;
       (iv) experience in studying the issue of the representation 
     of Asian Pacific Americans in art, life, history, and culture 
     at the Smithsonian Institution; or
       (v) extensive experience in public or elected service;
       (2) experience in the administration of, or the planning 
     for, the establishment of, museums; or
       (3) experience in the planning, design, or construction of 
     museum facilities.
       (d) Deadline for Initial Appointment.--The initial members 
     of the Commission shall be appointed not later than the date 
     that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (e) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission--
       (1) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and
       (2) shall be filled in the same manner as the original 
     appointment was made.
       (f) Chairperson.--The Commission shall, by majority vote of 
     all of the members, select 1 member of the Commission to 
     serve as the Chairperson of the Commission.
       (g) Prohibition.--No employee of the Federal Government may 
     serve as a member of the Commission.

     SEC. 3. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

       (a) Reports.--
       (1) Plan of action.--The Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report containing the 
     recommendations of the Commission with respect to a plan of 
     action regarding the feasibility of establishing and 
     maintaining a National Museum of Asian Pacific American 
     History and Culture in Washington, DC, and its environs 
     (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Museum'').
       (2) Report on issues.--The Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report that addresses the following 
     issues:
       (A) The availability and cost of collections to be acquired 
     and housed in the Museum.
       (B) The impact of the Museum on existing Asian Pacific 
     American history-related museums.
       (C) In consultation with the Smithsonian Institution, 
     develop criteria for evaluating possible locations for the 
     Museum in Washington, DC, and its environs.
       (D) The feasibility of the Museum becoming part of the 
     Smithsonian Institution, taking into account the Museum's 
     potential impact on the Smithsonian's existing facilities 
     maintenance backlog, collections storage needs, and 
     identified construction or renovation costs for new or 
     existing museums.
       (E) The governance and organizational structure from which 
     the Museum should operate.
       (F) Best practices for engaging Asian Pacific Americans in 
     the development and design of the Museum.
       (G) The cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining 
     the Museum.
       (3) Deadline.--The reports required under paragraphs (1) 
     and (2) shall be submitted not later than the date that is 18 
     months after the date of the first meeting of the Commission.
       (b) Fundraising Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall develop a fundraising 
     plan that will address the ability to support the 
     establishment, operation, and maintenance of the Museum 
     through contributions from the public.
       (2) Considerations.--In developing the fundraising plan 
     under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider issues 
     relating to funding the operations and maintenance of the 
     Museum in perpetuity without reliance on appropriations of 
     Federal funds.
       (3) Independent review.--The Commission shall obtain an 
     independent review of the viability of the plan developed 
     under paragraph (1) and such review shall include an analysis 
     as to whether the plan is able to achieve the level of 
     resources necessary to fund the construction of the Museum 
     and the operations and maintenance of the Museum in 
     perpetuity without reliance on appropriations of Federal 
     funds.
       (4) Submission.--The Commission shall submit the plan 
     developed under paragraph (1) and the review conducted under 
     paragraph (3) to the Committees on House Administration, 
     Natural Resources, and Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committees on Rules and 
     Administration, Energy and Natural Resources, and 
     Appropriations of the Senate.
       (c) Legislation To Carry Out Plan of Action.--Based on the 
     recommendations contained in the report submitted under 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Commission 
     shall submit for consideration to the Committees on House 
     Administration, Natural Resources, and Appropriations of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committees on Rules and 
     Administration, Energy and Natural Resources, and 
     Appropriations of the Senate recommendations for a 
     legislative plan of action on the feasibility of establishing 
     and constructing the Museum.
       (d) National Conference.--Not later than 18 months after 
     the date on which the initial members of the Commission are 
     appointed under section 2, the Commission may, in carrying 
     out the duties of the Commission under this section, convene 
     a national conference relating to the Museum, to be comprised 
     of individuals committed to the advancement of the life, art, 
     history, and culture of Asian Pacific Americans.

     SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

       (a) Compensation.--
       (1) In general.--A member of the Commission--
       (A) shall not be considered to be a Federal employee for 
     any purpose by reason of service on the Commission; and
       (B) shall serve without pay.
       (2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be 
     allowed a per diem allowance for travel expenses, at rates 
     consistent with those authorized under subchapter I of 
     chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
       (3) Gifts, bequests, and devises.--The Commission may 
     solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or 
     devises of money, services, or real or personal property for 
     the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the 
     Commission.

[[Page H4480]]

       (4) Federal advisory committee act.--The Commission shall 
     not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
     U.S.C. App.).
       (b) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on the 
     date that is 30 days after the date on which the final 
     versions of the reports required under section 3 are 
     submitted.
       (c) Funding.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be solely responsible 
     for acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the 
     expenses of, the Commission.
       (2) Prohibition.--No Federal funds may be obligated to 
     carry out this Act.
       (d) Director and Staff of Commission.--
       (1) Director and staff.--
       (A) In general.--The Commission may employ and compensate 
     an executive director and any other additional personnel that 
     are necessary to enable the Commission to perform the duties 
     of the Commission.
       (B) Rates of pay.--Rates of pay for persons employed under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be consistent with the rates of pay 
     allowed for employees of a temporary organization under 
     section 3161 of title 5, United States Code.
       (2) Not federal employment.--Any individual employed under 
     this section shall not be considered a Federal employee for 
     the purpose of any law governing Federal employment.
       (3) Technical assistance.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), on request of 
     the Commission, the head of a Federal agency may provide 
     technical assistance to the Commission.
       (B) Prohibition.--No Federal employees may be detailed to 
     the Commission.

     SEC. 5. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Bentz) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.


                             General Leave

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3525, the Commission To Study 
the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American 
History and Culture Act, introduced by my friend and colleague, 
Representative Grace Meng.
  This legislation would establish a commission to study and report on 
the potential creation of a national museum of Asian Pacific American 
history and culture in the District of Columbia and its surrounding 
areas.
  The establishment of this commission is a first step in acknowledging 
the long history, role, and contributions of Asian Americans in 
American culture.
  I thank Representative Meng for championing this piece of 
legislation. I urge my colleagues to support its adoption, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                            Committee on House Administration,

                                   Washington, DC, March 30, 2022.
     Hon. Raul M. Grijalva,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Grijalva: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 
     3525. There are certain provisions in the legislation which 
     fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on House 
     Administration.
       In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed 
     expeditiously to floor consideration, the Committee on House 
     Administration agrees to forego action on the bill. This is 
     done with the understanding that the Committee on House 
     Administration's jurisdictional interests over this and 
     similar legislation are in no way diminished or altered. In 
     addition, the Committee reserves its right to seek conferees 
     on any provisions within its jurisdiction which are 
     considered in a House-Senate conference and requests your 
     support if such a request is made.
       I would appreciate your response confirming this 
     understanding with respect to H.R. 3525 and ask that a copy 
     of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in your 
     committee report on the bill and in the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the bill on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Zoe Lofgren,
     Chairperson.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                    Washington, DC, April 5, 2022.
     Hon. Zoe Lofgren,
     Chair, Committee on House Administration,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Lofgren, I write to you concerning H.R. 3525, 
     the ``Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a 
     National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture 
     Act.''
       I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this 
     legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions 
     that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on House 
     Administration. I acknowledge that your Committee will not 
     formally consider H.R. 3525 and agree that the inaction of 
     your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any 
     future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the 
     bill that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I 
     am pleased to support your request to name members of the 
     Committee on House Administration to any conference committee 
     to consider such provisions.
       I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     bill. 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.

                              {time}  1530

  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3525, offered by 
Representative Meng, to authorize a commission to study the potential 
creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and 
Culture.
  My home State of Oregon has a proud and growing Asian-American and 
Pacific-Islander population. Oregon is home to many cultural centers, 
museums, gardens, and historic sites related to Asian-American and 
Pacific-Islander heritage.
  This commission would be tasked with preparing a report for Congress 
and the President providing recommendations regarding the feasibility 
of establishing and maintaining a National Museum of Asian Pacific 
American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
  The commission would be required to consider several factors, 
including the availability and cost of the collections to be acquired, 
the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the museum, and 
the feasibility of the museum becoming part of the Smithsonian 
Institution.
  While I support this bill, I am concerned about the significant 
financial and operational challenges that adding an additional national 
museum to the Smithsonian's portfolio could pose.
  Just 2 years ago, Congress authorized the establishment of the 
National Museum of the American Latino and American Women's History 
Museum. In addition to constructing two new museums, the Smithsonian is 
facing a facilities maintenance backlog approaching $1 billion; 
identified collection storage needs; a $900 million renovation of the 
National Air and Space Museum expected to conclude this year; and 
ongoing rehabilitation of other historic structures on the National 
Mall.
  I appreciate Chair Grijalva's willingness to address Republican 
concerns about the Smithsonian's capacity. At markup, an amendment was 
adopted to require the commission to consider the potential impact on 
the Smithsonian's existing maintenance backlog and identified 
construction or renovation costs for new or existing museums.
  Additionally, I appreciate an amendment adopted at markup to prohibit 
the use of Federal funds for the commission. These are good governance 
amendments that will strengthen the commission's work and eventual 
report.
  I appreciate our friends on the other side of the aisle taking this 
bill through regular order and working with Republicans to address our 
concerns.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng), the sponsor of the 
legislation.

[[Page H4481]]

  

  Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 3525, a 
bill I authored to establish a commission to study the potential 
creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and 
Culture.
  I want to first thank Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Westerman 
of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Bentz, and 
Chairman Neguse and Ranking Member Fulcher of the Subcommittee on 
National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands for their work with me on 
bringing this bill to the floor.
  Second, I thank Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, and Whip Clyburn for 
their support on this historic legislation. I also acknowledge and 
thank Chairperson Lofgren of the Committee on House Administration for 
her support in moving this bill forward.
  I first introduced this bill in the 114th Congress, and during that 
Congress, we witnessed the opening of the National Museum of African 
American History and Culture that our former colleague, the legendary 
John Lewis, spearheaded for decades.
  Since then, we have seen legislation establishing the National Museum 
of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History 
Museum signed into law.
  Our communities and caucuses have stood together in each of these 
efforts, and it is a joy to see this AAPI museum study bill arrive at 
this point today.
  America is filled with diverse stories of achievement and moments of 
tragedy. Within our shared history, there are countless tales of Asian 
Americans and Pacific Islanders, or AAPIs, contributing to every facet 
of our Nation.
  As far back as the 1700s, AAPIs have shaped American society. From 
the Chinese laborers who helped build the transcontinental railroad, a 
vital piece of U.S. infrastructure, to the thousands of AAPIs who 
fought for fair working conditions for agricultural workers during the 
Hawaii sugar strike of 1946, AAPIs have and continue to shape this 
Nation's history.
  Yet, those contributions are often unheard of and simply forgotten. 
It is time to change that. A national museum dedicated to collecting, 
preserving, and displaying these tales is long overdue.
  Museums provide a space to reflect on our past, assess our present, 
and dream of the future that we are working toward.
  My bill is one step closer to the creation of a national museum 
dedicated to our AAPI American history. The commission established 
through this legislation will be comprised of experts in their 
respective fields who will be responsible for studying the feasibility 
of creating a national museum and providing recommendations to Congress 
on whether to, and how to establish a national museum.
  Additionally, the commission will study logistical questions of 
exhibit curation, fundraising capacity, cost of creating and 
maintaining such an institution, and whether or not this museum should 
be part of the Smithsonian Institution.
  AAPIs are the fastest growing ethnic group in America, and the 
contributions of this community have shaped our Nation's 
infrastructure, economy, culture, and so much more. We must never 
forget that AAPI history is also American history.

  Today's consideration of H.R. 3525 is a necessary step to ensure the 
full face of American diversity across our entire country is displayed.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Kim).
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
3525, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National 
Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act.
  The contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to this 
great Nation have been enormous. The history of AAPIs is rich, but this 
history is rarely talked about, and the contributions often go unknown 
or unrecognized. I am often asked how someone can learn about AAPI 
history, and admittedly, I don't know as much as I should.
  Now more than ever, with the rise in hate crimes like the Atlanta 
shootings and other acts of violence in New York City and throughout 
the country, we keep hearing this phrase, ``You don't belong here.''
  I have heard that throughout my life and, sadly, my two little boys, 
4 years old and 6 years old, have already heard hurtful words that have 
labeled them in ways they don't yet understand.
  Like many, I don't want my kids to understand who they are through 
sources of hate and discrimination. I want them to feel pride, pride in 
who they are, pride in AAPIs, and pride in our place in this Nation.
  Our story is not just an Asian-American story. It is an American 
story. The history is not just an Asian-American history, it is 
American history, and this history isn't just for AAPIs to learn, it is 
for all of us. Together, through learning, we can come together, 
creating greater understanding, a closer knit community, celebrating 
the richness of this Nation.
  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared 
to close.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Cardenas).
  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3525 to 
commission a study for the creation of a National Museum of Asian 
Pacific American History and Culture Act.
  Asian Americans have been contributing to the fabric of our United 
States of America from its earliest days, helping to build, shape, and 
defend our great country.
  This long-overdue museum will serve as a gateway for everyone to see, 
feel, and understand the countless true stories of Asian Americans, 
stories of perseverance, dedication, and beating the odds to achieve 
their dreams. Those from trailblazers like Larry Itliong, a Filipino-
American labor leader who organized with Latino civil rights leaders 
like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
  My father worked in the fields, and I remember when I was a little 
boy, he told me once, ``When I worked in the fields, I wanted to work 
harder than everyone else. The people who always worked as hard as me 
and challenged me were my Filipino colleagues working in the fields.'' 
I quoted him in English, although my father spoke to me in Spanish.
  Or people like Constance Wu, Awkwafina, and Ali Wong, whose 
contributions to the arts have positively impacted millions of 
Americans. These stories and so many more deserve to be told and 
understood.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill. I can't wait to see the 
day this museum is on The Mall with the National Museum of the American 
Latino, the American Women's History Museum, the National Museum of 
African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the 
American Indian.
  I would also like to take a point of privilege to say thank you to 
Grace Meng, who at one time was the only Asian-American legislator in 
the legislature in New York. Not the first one, but she was there by 
herself, and she was a caucus of one, and she is now in the United 
States Congress, serving our community proudly and representing her 
community proudly as well.
  Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say how important this bill 
is, in part because of the incredibly valuable folks we have in my part 
of my State, including the Kitamuras, the Nagakis, the Maedas, the 
Nambas, the Saitos, the Itos, the Tanakas, the Teramuras, and many 
others, all of whom are absolutely wonderful parts of our community.
  They are also incredibly conservative, and I am sure will be happy to 
see the portions of this bill that reflect the agreement to make sure 
that we are able to pay for whatever it is that we do. They are truly 
deserving of this recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is important. It comes at 
the right time. It is an affirmation of the inclusiveness, diversity, 
and the equal status of all of us as Americans.
  I am very proud to support this. I urge its adoption, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by

[[Page H4482]]

the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3525, 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.

                          ____________________