Two new Smithsonian museums to focus on Latinos, women
The proposed museums would be the first new Smithsonian facilities since the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016.
By Peggy McGloneWashington Post
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest Smithsonian museum, opened in September 2016. Washington Post photo by Katherine Frey
WASHINGTON – The 5,500-page spending and relief bill that Congress passed Monday night includes the authorization of two Smithsonian museums – one focused on the American Latino, the other on American women – that pave the way for the world’s largest museum complex to become even more diverse.
‘Historic Moment : Congress Passes Legislation to Create National Latino Museum We have overcome tremendous obstacles and unbelievable hurdles to get to this historic moment, said Sen. Bob Menendez, who co-sponsored the measure
Published December 22, 2020
Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images We have overcome tremendous obstacles and unbelievable hurdles to get to this historic moment, but as I ve said before, Latinos are used to overcoming obstacles, said Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., who co-sponsored the bipartisan legislation to create the National Museum of the American Latino with Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
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5,600-page government spending bill provides stimulus checks, Smithsonian museums, horse safety
Denver7.
and last updated 2020-12-22 10:52:52-05
Both houses of Congress passed a nearly
5,600-page bill late Monday night; the COVID relief package was combined with a massive $1.4 trillion government spending bill to keep federal agencies funded for the next fiscal year and set government priorities.
The relief package contains stimulus checks up to $600 for individuals, help for small businesses and for renters. But the bill overall also contains funding for two Smithsonian museums, a statement on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and extending tax breaks for NASCAR racing in addition to other government priorities.
Museums for American Latinos and Women’s History Are Officially Coming to DC
The Smithsonian will add two new museums to its roster. Share
As part of its scramble to pass budget and covid-relief measures before the end of the session, Congress last night approved legislation to create two new Smithsonian museums on the National Mall: the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum. The exciting announcement comes after one Republican senator’s attempt to stall the efforts earlier this month.
With this bill’s passing, each museum will be able to start considering locations, collecting artifacts, and hiring staff. Both will be funded with federal dollars and private donations. It will likely be many years before the doors open to either; it took 13 years for the National Museum of African American History & Culture to go from Congressional authorization to its grand opening in 2016.
COVID-19 RELIEF
Unemployment insurance ($120 billion). Revives supplemental federal pandemic unemployment benefits but at $300 per week through March 14 instead of the $600 per week benefit that expired in July. Extends special pandemic benefits for “gig” workers and extends the maximum period for state-paid jobless benefits to 50 weeks.
Direct payments ($166 billion). Provides $600 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and couples making up to $150,000 per year with payments phased out for higher incomes - with $600 additional payments per dependent child. In March under the CARES Act, it was $1,200 and $2,400, respectively, and $500 per dependent child.
Paycheck Protection Program ($284 billion). Revives the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to qualified businesses. Especially hard-hit businesses that received PPP grants would be eligible for a second round. Ensures that PPP subsidies are not taxed.