Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1330
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-13: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T21:26:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act," aims to authorize the placement of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino within the Reserve of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It also establishes procedures for site selection and use, ensures diverse representation in the museum's exhibits and programs, and requires ongoing reporting to Congress to promote accurate and inclusive portrayal of Hispanic and Latino communities.
Key Provisions
- Site Authorization: Allows the museum to be built within the National Mall Reserve (a protected area in Washington, D.C., defined under federal law as part of the city's monumental core), overriding certain existing restrictions on development in that area.
- Site Transfer from Other Agencies: Requires the Smithsonian's Board of Regents to notify any federal agency controlling a potential site. The agency head must then inform relevant congressional committees and transfer administrative control of the land or building to the Smithsonian as soon as possible.
- Diversity in Exhibits and Programs: Mandates that the museum's Board of Trustees consult a wide range of experts and sources to reflect diverse political views, cultures, and personal experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. when creating or revising exhibits and programs. Key terms include:
- Broad array: A variety of experts and materials covering different viewpoints, ideologies, and lived experiences.
- Knowledgeable and respected source: Individuals with expertise gained through education, publications, or direct involvement in historical events, whose insights are valued by their communities for education or heritage preservation.
- Reporting Requirements: The Smithsonian Secretary must submit reports to specified congressional committees within 120 days of enactment and every two years thereafter, detailing compliance with diversity guidelines, including actions on existing and future exhibits.
- Effective Date: The changes apply retroactively, as if they were part of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act that originally established the museum.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 201(g)(4) of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (codified at 20 U.S.C. 80u(g)(4)) by removing restrictions that previously barred the museum from the National Mall Reserve.
- Revises Section 201(g)(2) (20 U.S.C. 80u(g)(2)) to streamline the process for transferring sites under other federal agencies' control, adding mandatory notifications to congressional committees and expedited transfers.
- Updates Section 201(d)(2)(D) (20 U.S.C. 80u(d)(2)(D)) to strengthen requirements for diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences, expanding beyond general accuracy to include specific consultation processes and definitions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Smithsonian gains flexibility in site selection, potentially requiring other federal entities (e.g., those managing National Mall lands) to relinquish control, which could affect their operations or planning. Congressional oversight increases through required notifications and reports.
- On Citizens: Enhances public access to a dedicated museum on the National Mall, promoting education and cultural representation for Hispanic and Latino Americans (about 19% of the U.S. population). It may foster greater national understanding of Latino history and diversity, benefiting visitors, educators, and communities.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the museum could indirectly strengthen U.S. cultural diplomacy by showcasing Latino contributions, which include influences from Latin American heritage.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Smithsonian Institution and Museum Leadership: Directly responsible for site designation, exhibit development, and compliance reporting.
- Federal Agencies with National Mall Jurisdiction: Such as the National Park Service, which may need to transfer land or structures.
- Hispanic and Latino Communities: Benefit from more inclusive representation; experts from these groups will be consulted for authenticity.
- Congressional Committees: Including House and Senate committees on Natural Resources, Appropriations, House Administration, Rules and Administration, Energy, and Transportation—involved in oversight and notifications.
- General Public and Visitors: Gain a new cultural resource on the National Mall, introduced with bipartisan support from over 40 cosponsors.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Overrides specific federal planning laws (e.g., 40 U.S.C. § 8908(c)) for the National Mall Reserve, potentially setting a precedent for future Smithsonian expansions while ensuring inter-agency coordination to avoid disputes over land use.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; aligns with Congress's authority over federal properties and cultural institutions under Article I. The diversity mandates promote First Amendment values of free expression without restricting speech.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (cosponsored by Democrats and Republicans), emphasizing inclusive cultural policy. It addresses past debates on museum placements by prioritizing diversity, which could influence future legislation on national monuments or minority representation, but raises questions about balancing viewpoints in publicly funded exhibits.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Cosponsors (130)
Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10], Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20] and 80 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-13: 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.
- 2025-02-13: 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.
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (7 pages)