WASHINGTON (AP) — Efforts to create a national museum of Asian Pacific Americans in Washington, D.C., gained momentum on April 26, as the House passed legislation that would create a committee to study the issue.
The unanimous House bill would create a new committee to consider the feasibility of a new National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. The measure now goes to the Senate.
The committee was tasked with examining the costs involved with the proposed National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, whether it should be considered part of the Smithsonian Institution and a possible location in the Washington area.
“It’s great to see this AAPI museum research bill get to this point today,” said Rep. Grace Meng, DN.Y., referring to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
During the live debate, Meng said Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have shaped the country’s history from its earliest days, from the Chinese laborers who helped build the transcontinental railroad to the cultural and economic contributions it makes today.
“These contributions are often unheard of and just forgotten,” she said. “It’s time to change that.”
The legislation comes as tourists flock to the newest addition to the National Mall, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016. Plans are underway for two other museums, the National Museum of Latin America and the Smithsonian Women’s Museum of History.
Rep. Cliff Benz, R-Oregon, said that while he supported the bill, he was concerned that he hoped it would answer the financial and operational challenges that an additional museum in the Smithsonian’s portfolio could pose.
The committee will have 18 months to report its findings to Congress and the president. The bill passed without objection or without a roll-call vote.
Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., talks about how his heritage has been mocked and wants his younger sons to be proud of their background.
“I don’t want my children to learn who they are through hate and discrimination,” he said during the live debate.
“I want them to be proud,” King said. “Our story isn’t just an Asian-American story, it’s an American story.”
