H.R.512

Title: To establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: [D] Rep Becerra, Xavier [2] [CA-31] (introduced 1/17/07); Cosponsors (108)
Related Bills: S.500 [3]
Latest Major Action: 6/26/2007 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 234.
Senate Reports: 110-104 [4]

Summary: Bill will create the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino, which will be responsible for developing a plan of action for the establishment of a Washington, D.C.-based museum that commemorates American Latino life, art, history, and culture.  The Commission will examine and report on: (1) the availability and cost of collections to be acquired and housed in the Museum; (2) the impact of the Museum on regional Hispanic- and Latino-related museums; (3) possible locations for the Museum in Washington, D.C.; (4) whether the Museum should be located within the Smithsonian Institution; (5) the governance and organizational structure from which the Museum should operate; (6) how to engage the American Latino community in the development and design of the Museum; and (7) the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the Museum. The Commission will be funded from the Department of the Interior while the Museum itself will be funded by community contributions.

ASPIRA Policy Position

ASPIRA strongly supports legislation to create a Commission as a first step in creating a National Museum of the America Latino in Washington under the Smithsonian Institution.