Gallego Introduces Bill to Create Museum Honoring America's Latino Population

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is introducing legislation authorizing the creation of a Smithsonian museum dedicated to America's Latino population.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act cuts through red tape to begin constructing the museum, which was authorized in a bipartisan bill signed into law in December 2020. As a result, the construction will take place without the need for new funding.

"Latinos have always been and always will be central to the American story. That story, which I know intimately, is one of hard work, service, culture, and sacrifice, and it deserves a place on the National Mall," said Sen. Gallego in his press release, adding, "This bill is about more than building a museum. It's about claiming our rightful place in American history. I'm proud to help make that happen."

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are cosponsoring the bipartisan bill.

"Latinos have been at the heart of U.S. history for hundreds of years, shaping American culture, communities, and business," added Sen. Padilla. "As the first Latino elected to represent California in the United States Senate, I intimately understand the immense contributions and accomplishments Latinos have made to our nation — and the barriers we have had to overcome. The story of the American Latino and the simultaneous fight for equality by American women should be enshrined on the National Mall, the tapestry of the United States. Legislation to establish the Smithsonian Museums of the American Latino and National Women's History was signed into law five years ago, and it's past time we clear the way to make this bipartisan priority a reality."

Sen. Cortez-Masto said, "Women and Latinos have done so much for our nation, and those contributions – our story, the American story – deserve to be told and honored."

"I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure the accomplishments of the Latinos and women who have truly made America great can be showcased in their very own Smithsonian museums," Sen. Cortez-Masto added.