This act establishes the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, addresses its location on the National Mall, ensures diverse representation in exhibits and programs, and mandates reports to Congress.
Alejandro "Alex" Padilla
Senator
CA
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the establishment of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, potentially within the National Mall. It requires the Smithsonian to notify Congress regarding the use of federal land for the museum and ensures that the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of the Latino community by seeking guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable sources with diverse political viewpoints and experiences. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on efforts to ensure this diversity in exhibits and programs.
Latino Museum Bill OKs National Mall Location, Adds Rules for Exhibit Diversity
This legislation officially authorizes the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to potentially be located on the prestigious National Mall in Washington D.C., amending a previous act (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021). It outlines the notification process required if federal land is chosen and sets specific requirements for the museum's content, mandating comprehensive representation of diverse Hispanic and Latino experiences and viewpoints.
Location, Location, Legislation: Finding a Home on the Mall
Getting a prime spot on the National Mall is a big deal, and this bill explicitly carves out permission for the Latino Museum, overriding a specific federal law (40 U.S.C. 8908(c)) that might otherwise restrict it. If the Smithsonian decides on a site currently managed by another federal agency, this bill requires that agency head to formally notify several key House and Senate committees before jurisdiction of the land or structure can be transferred. The intent seems to be facilitating the transfer while ensuring congressional awareness.
More Than One Story: Defining Diversity in Exhibits
The bill goes beyond simply suggesting diversity; it mandates it. Section 2 requires the museum's Board of Trustees to ensure exhibits and programs comprehensively cover the varied cultures, histories, events, and values across Hispanic and Latino communities. Critically, the Board must seek guidance from a "broad array" of "knowledgeable and respected sources." The legislation defines "broad array" as representing a wide spectrum of Hispanic or Latino communities, including different viewpoints, political ideologies, and lived experiences. A "knowledgeable and respected source" is defined as someone with recognized expertise (through education, publication, or witnessing events) on a unique aspect of a Latino community. This framework aims to ensure the museum consults widely and authentically represents the complexity of Latino life in the U.S., including potentially differing political perspectives.
Keeping Tabs: Reporting Back to Congress
To ensure these diversity requirements are met, the bill establishes an accountability mechanism. The Secretary of the Smithsonian must submit a report to relevant House and Senate committees within 120 days of the bill's enactment, and then every two years thereafter. These reports must detail the actions taken to guarantee the inclusion of diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences in both current exhibit revisions and future planning. This regular reporting structure is designed to monitor the museum's adherence to its mandate for comprehensive representation.