Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 13, 2025
Bottom line
The bill facilitates the location of the American Latino Museum on the National Mall and mandates broad viewpoint diversity in its exhibits, while increasing congressional oversight.
What it actually does
This bill permits the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, overriding existing prohibitions on new construction in that area. It also streamlines the process for transferring federal land for the museum's site and mandates that the museum's exhibits and programs reflect a broad diversity of political viewpoints and authentic experiences within Hispanic or Latino communities. Additionally, it requires biennial reports to Congress on compliance with these diversity requirements.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that locating the museum on the National Mall Reserve ensures a prominent and accessible site befitting its national importance, providing a visible platform to celebrate the rich history and contributions of American Latinos. They contend that mandating diverse viewpoints ensures a comprehensive and authentic representation of the community, fostering inclusivity and preventing any single narrative from dominating the museum's content.
Opponents contend
Critics of building on the National Mall Reserve often raise concerns about preserving the historic open space and viewsheds, arguing that further development could detract from its iconic character. While the goal of diverse representation is generally supported, some may argue that overly prescriptive language regarding 'political viewpoints' could lead to politicization of curatorial decisions or create administrative burdens for the museum's Board of Trustees.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick read and easy to understand its core provisions.
Section 2(a)
Authorizing Site Within Reserve of National Mall
This provision explicitly allows the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to be built within the Reserve of the National Mall. This overrides a standing federal law (40 U.S.C. 8908(c)) that generally restricts new construction or commemorative works in this protected area. It also includes a technical amendment to existing law to align with this new authorization.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a museum of such national significance deserves a prominent location on the National Mall to maximize its visibility, accessibility, and symbolic importance, ensuring it is seen as a central part of the nation's cultural landscape.
Critics contend
Critics of building on the National Mall Reserve often contend that it is crucial to preserve the open space, viewsheds, and historic character of the Mall, arguing that further construction could lead to overcrowding and diminish its unique aesthetic and recreational value.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for a highly visible and prestigious location for a national museum against the long-standing policy of preserving the open character and historic viewsheds of the National Mall Reserve.
Section 2(b)
Streamlined Site Transfer from Other Federal Agencies
This section amends existing law to simplify the process by which a site for the museum, if it is under the administrative control of another federal agency, can be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. It requires the Smithsonian to notify the agency, the agency to notify specific congressional committees, and then mandates the agency to transfer jurisdiction to the Smithsonian 'as soon as practicable' after congressional notification.
Section 2(c)
Ensuring Diversity of Political Viewpoints and Authentic Experiences in Exhibits
This provision mandates that the museum's Board of Trustees must ensure exhibits and programs accurately and comprehensively represent the varied cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic or Latino communities. It specifically requires seeking guidance from a 'broad array of knowledgeable and respected sources' that reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of Hispanics or Latinos in the United States, for both creating and substantially revising exhibits. It also defines what constitutes a 'broad array' and a 'knowledgeable and respected source'.
Section 2(d)
Biennial Reports to Congress on Diversity Compliance
This provision requires the Secretary of the Smithsonian to submit a report to several congressional committees every two years. These reports must detail the actions taken by the Director and Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino to comply with the diversity requirements outlined in Section 2(c), including efforts related to both current and future exhibits and programs.