HR-1330-119
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)
What it does
This bill would establish the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino as an official unit of the Smithsonian Institution. It would create a permanent federal museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying artifacts, art, and history related to the contributions and experiences of Latino Americans. The bill follows the same legislative model used to create other Smithsonian identity-based museums.
Who benefits
Latino Americans (approximately 63 million people), who would gain a dedicated national institution recognizing their history and cultural contributions. Historians, educators, and researchers specializing in Latino history and culture. Tourism industries near the museum's eventual location. Smithsonian employees and contractors involved in construction and operation. School groups and the general public seeking educational resources on Latino American history.
Who is hurt
Taxpayers who would bear the cost of constructing and operating a new federal museum. Other Smithsonian units that may compete for limited institutional funding and resources. Advocacy groups representing other cultural communities who may argue their own histories also warrant dedicated federal museums. Private Latino cultural institutions that could face reduced donations or attention as a federal museum draws philanthropic focus.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that Latino Americans are the largest ethnic minority in the United States — roughly 19% of the population — yet have no dedicated national museum on the National Mall, a gap that no other comparably sized demographic group faces. They contend that the Smithsonian's existing museums covering African American and Native American history demonstrate a proven model for this type of institution, and that a national museum would preserve and elevate contributions that are systematically underrepresented in mainstream historical narratives.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that creating federally funded museums organized around specific ethnic identities risks fragmenting national history into separate, parallel narratives rather than integrating diverse contributions into a shared American story. They contend that the federal government faces significant fiscal constraints, and that the substantial construction and long-term operating costs of a new Smithsonian museum — the National Museum of African American History and Culture cost over $500 million to build — may not be the most efficient use of limited public funds when existing institutions could expand their Latino history programming.