The National Museum of the American Latino Act is a bipartisan bill that represents 17 years of government work, per the release.
According to the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, the bill was co-authored by Sen. Cornyn with Rep. José E. Serrano, D-NY; Rep. Will Hurd, R-TX; and Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ.
“Close to 40 percent of all Texans identify as Hispanic, and their history is an integral part of Texas history that must be recognized and remembered,” Cornyn said in the release. “By creating a new museum in the Smithsonian Institution, we can honor American Latino contributions and highlight their stories for future generations.”
The bill will now be reviewed by the Senate. If it is passed, the Smithsonian Institution will have two years to appoint a board of directors and locate a site for the museum.
The museum will “promote the study and appreciation of Latino life, art, history, culture, and its impact on society in the United States,” according to the bill’s description on Congress’ website.
