Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act
Senate Bill Would Allow Smithsonian's American Latino Museum on the National Mall
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Lets the Smithsonian’s American Latino Museum be placed in the National Mall’s protected central area, overriding earlier limits.
- Updates the rules so if the chosen site is controlled by another federal agency, that agency must be notified, notify key congressional committees, and then transfer control of the site to the Smithsonian.
- Tells the museum’s leaders to seek input from a wide range of Hispanic/Latino voices, including different political viewpoints and lived experiences, when creating or making major changes to exhibits.
- Requires the Smithsonian to report to Congress within 120 days after the law takes effect, and then every 2 years, about how it is meeting the “broad viewpoints” requirement.
- For everyday visitors, this mainly affects where the museum could be built on the Mall and how exhibit content is guided and reviewed.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Rep. Malliotakis' bipartisan bill supports National Museum of the American Latino
The legislation (H.R. 1330) would permit the museum to be located within the 'Reserve' of the National Mall and requires the Board of Trustees to ensure exhibits comprehensively represent the varied cultures and values of Hispanic or Latino communities.
Is the Smithsonian Museum of the American Latino Finally Moving Forward?
A bipartisan coalition of senators is advocating for a bill that would guarantee the museum a spot on the National Mall, requiring the federal government to transfer land to the Smithsonian while navigating political tensions over exhibit content.
The Smithsonian Has Found Two Sites for New Museums Dedicated to Women and Latinos—But Many Obstacles Remain
The Smithsonian identified two optimal sites on the National Mall, but construction requires a congressional waiver because the locations sit within the 'reserve,' a no-build zone designated by the National Commemorative Works Act.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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