Asian Pacific American museum commission goes to the White House after passing Senate

GRACE MENG

Rep. Grace Meng has been working for an APA national museum for seven years.

The legislation to create a commission to study the possible creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture passed the Senate Thursday and awaits President Biden's signature.

U.S. Representative Grace Meng,D-NY, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY,  announced Thursday the Senate passage of H.R. 3525 by unanimous consent. The House passed the legislation earlier this month. 

Congresswoman Meng championed the bill during several sessions of Congress, testified about the legislation before two Committees, and led it to passage in the House of Representatives last month.  

"AAPI’s have been a part of America’s fabric and growth for generations, and this bill brings us one step closer to a physical museum where AAPI history, culture, and contributions to this nation would be displayed and preserved for future generations," said Meng. 

"As we reflect on our past, celebrate our present excellence, and dream of our future during this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this bill provides an opportunity to showcase the importance of telling our full and diverse American story in a national museum."

The “Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act” would create a commission of eight individuals with various expertise in museum planning or Asian Pacific American history and culture to examine the feasibility of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation’s capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. which is the world’s largest museum and research complex. 

READ H.R.3525 for more details.

Meng has been working for passage of the bill for seven years in the making.

While the legislation does not guarantee the establishment of an AANHPI Museum, the measure requires that the commission “report recommendations for a plan of action” and “develop a fundraising plan to support the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the museum through public contributions.”

The commission will present a draft of a plan to Congress and if approved, another bill will have to be introduced to fund construction of the museum.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016 and the American Latino Museum is in the process of looking for a site.

“From the beginning of our founding, Asian Americans have played a great role in shaping the country," added Schumer. "They have worked hard, grown families, established businesses, made America better, and they continue to do so. 

"Too much of their history is unknown and many students never come across these stories and lessons in school. That is disappointing, but it is also why this Asian Pacific American History and Culture Museum is so important, to show the greatness of the Asian American community—past, present and future. An Asian Pacific American History and Culture Museum would celebrate those achievements with all Americans and exalt our wonderful, growing, strong, beautiful Asian American community,” said the Senate Leader.

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