Transcripts For CSPAN Senate Rules Committee Holds Hearing O

Chairman blunt the Senate Rules Committee held proposals for two new Smithsonian Museums, the american Womens History Museum and the National Museum of the american latino. Among the witnesses, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and actress eva longoria. His is about 90 minutes. Chairman blunt the committee on rules and administration will come to order. Good morning. I thank my colleagues for attending todays hearing, some virtually, some in person. The same for our witnesses. We are going to be welcoming them as well. The secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, miss jane abraham, former chairman of the Congressional Commission to study the potential for a national Womens History Museum. Miss c. C. Rojas, chairman of the Latino Coalition, and mr. Danny vargas, chairman of the friends of the National Museum of the american latino. I want to thank all of them for joining us. We will hear from a number of senators who have spent time on this and have been sponsors of this bill. Senator collins, senator cornyn, senator menendez will all be joining us for remarks following the remarks of the three of us. This is secretary bunchs second appearance before the Senate Rules Committee. We are grateful to have him with us today. He was appointed the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in june of 2019. And what a first year you have had. Obviously, covid forced closure of all 19 museums for the first time ever. And it happened in the middle of march of this year. That really created an opportunity and requirement for secretary bunch and the great staff of the smithsonian to even further turn to their already substantial digital efforts. They launched smithsonian cares, a new website that aggregates the smithsonians many online resources. In addition to smithsonian cares, the smithsonian offers a learning lab. That is an online tool created specifically to work with teachers and students and Distance Learning. No shock that the learning lab had a 500 increase from march 2019 to march 2020, and i suspect that increase has only continued to grow. Established in 1846, the smithsonian, now 170 years later, encompasses 19 museums and galleries, Numerous Research and educational facilities, the national zoo, a growing collection of 155 million objects and specimens of various kinds. We are here today to discuss whether the congress should authorize the addition of two new museums to the smithsonians vast portfolio, specifically a Smithsonian Museum of womens history, and a National Museum of the american latino. We truly have an Expert Witness on the whole idea of new museums and expanding museums. Secretary bunch was the founder of the African American history and Culture Museum and led the entire 11 year process of planning and constructing the 400,000 squarefoot museum that tells a powerful story. There are other powerful stories to be told. And that is what we are talking about today, the vibrant stories of american women and american latinos, how important they are. I just mentioned 11 years, that ther effort that secretary bunch was so involved in. Whatever we decide to do today, these critically important stories need to be told in better and more substantial ways than they have been in the past during a long period of time it would take to accomplish the goal we are talking about today, assuming we set that goal. In 2021, the smithsonian is set to open a permanent 4500 squarefoot latino gallery named the molina gallery, thanks to a 10 million gift from the molina family and the smithsonians Latino Center continues to be a showcase for that experience at the direction of the Congressional Commission on the study of the potential creation of a National Womens museum. And again, miss abraham is here to talk about that. The smithsonian launched its own womens History Initiative in 2018. That initiative has since raised 10 million toward the development of exhibition programs, educational materials, and Digital Content across the smithsonian space. I look forward to hearing secretary bunchs update on this important work, which again we need to continue to encourage and figure out what we can do to tell this story in a better way, even if we decide to have these two new museums. They will not be available for a while. And so, senator klobuchar, i want to turn to you for any opening remarks you might have. And then we are going to recognize senator feinstein and the three senators who have joined us who have also been sponsors of this legislation. Senator klobuchar . You,klobuchar thank chairman blunt, and i am so glad we are holding this important hearing today. We have much to do, including pandemic relief. That i was looking back as you were talking about during the depression, if you go back to the 1930s, one of Franklin Roosevelts main programs was a public art wpa project. One is hanging in my office that i have on loan for the minnesota museum. These museums will take years to build, but i actually think now is a good time to actually get this started and to get this passed. I am particularly excited to hear from our colleagues, senators collins and feinstein, who are here, as well as senator menendez and senator cornyn. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of both of these bills, and i believe these new museums are critical to expanding our understanding of the remarkable contributions women and latinos have made throughout the history of our country. The Smithsonian Institution was founded on the noble principle that as a nation, we must strive to expand our knowledge and spread that knowledge widely. Nearly 175 years later, the smithsonian continues to fulfill its mission, having grown to become the Worlds Largest Museum Education and research complex. We should all be proud of it. Every year, this year different with the pandemic, but every year millions of people visit the national galleries, the national zoo. The National Mall is lined with iconic structures that comprised the crown jewel of the smithsonian. When families come to washington and they visit these museums, they think they are seeing the complete representation of the course of the history of our nation. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. The fact that our museums do not adequately portray the contributions of women and Latino Americans has been welldocumented. In 1999, president clinton signed an executive order to establish a commission to better identify the accomplishments of women in our nations history, and to consider whether we should establish a Womens Museum. In 1994, the smithsonian issued a report regarding the lack of representation of Latino Americans and their contributions to our nation. Of course, there have been recommendations for both of these museums for several commissions in the past. Even though the need for these museums is clear, the path to getting it done is not always clear. We know that these projects can take a long time, as the chairman pointed out, and they will require a tremendous level of resources and, lets get this, momentum. The success of the newest Smithsonian Museum, the National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture, sets a High Standard for any Museum Moving forward. But as secretary bunch discusses in his testimony, it didnt just happen overnight. In fact, it took 13 years from the passage of congressman lewis bill until the Museum Opened in september of 2016. Under that timeline, even if the legislation we are discussing today was signed into law tomorrow, the museums would be open to the public until 2034. That is why i would make the case we should pass legislation as soon as possible so the hard work to create these museums can truly begin. When i arrived in the senate, there were only 16 women senators, led by our dean at the time, the great senator Barbara Mikulski from maryland, who during her time in the senate was a key leader of the legislation to establish a Womens History Museum. And as we know, this year marks an important milestone in our democracy, the centennial of the 19th amendment, guaranteeing women in america the right to vote. We now have 26 women senators, which is an all time high. Women continue to break barriers. Earlier this month, our colleague, senator kamala harris, became the first woman elected to be Vice President of the United States. I loved one of the graphics that had been sent around online after the election, and it said, ladies, make sure to wear shoes because theres glass everywhere. My witness today is a latino woman who knows about breaking barriers. Eva longoria is a trailblazer for latinos in the film industry. She is known for her work both in front of and behind the camera, and continues to lead the charge of diverse and female representation in the industry and beyond. In addition to speaking about the need for a Womens History Museum, she can provide a powerful voice in support of an american Latino Museums. American latinos have been a part of the country since its founding, and it is past time for their contribution and experiences to be honored with a museum on the National Mall. I think it is very significant that our colleagues are here today, that both these bills before us have passed the house, that both these bills before us have strong bipartisan leadership, democrats and republicans coming together. It is my hope that we can add both of these bills to our final executive business meeting for the 116th congress and work to get the bills passed this year, not next year or the year after. As i point out, roosevelt did this in the middle of the depression, where he saw the future, something that wouldnt get done now but something that would help us to plan ahead for a decade from now. Think about the kids that are watching. Think about the kids that want to go to that museum and see the women are honored, latinos are honored. This is our moment to do something really great by the end of the year. Thank you. Thank you, senator klobuchar. Senator feinstein. Muchfeinstein thanks very. Ranking member klobuchar and fellow members of the committee, thank you for including the smithsonian american Womens History Museum act in todays hearing. It has been a while coming and im very grateful. I am pleased to join my friend and colleague senator collins in introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a national Womens History Museum. It is a long time coming. And in the senate, our 13 cosponsors include every woman who sits on this committee, mr. Chairman. And i thank Ranking Member klobuchar, senators capito, fisher, hyde smith, and cortez masto for their support. In february, the house overwhelmingly passed a companion to our bill by a vote of 37437, and it is my hope that this legislation can get done by the end of the year and we can celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote, with this commission. From the earliest days of the nation, women have made substantial and lasting contributions. I dont know why the recognition process has been so difficult, but it has been. And i think the election of women to places of power like political bodies has made a difference. But the fact is, american women have transformed the fields of science, government, literature, medicine, and so much more. So, it is well past time to establish a museum that specifically pays tribute to this history. It would honor and recognize tremendous collective achievements of american women and will help to tell a more complete story of our past. Just a bit of history. In 2014, congress established an independent Bipartisan Commission to study the potential for creating a national Womens History Museum. Mrs. Jane abraham, chair of that commission, is here with us today and will be testifying. The commission submitted its report to congress in november 2016, with the unanimous recommendation to establish a comprehensive Womens History Museum. The report further recommends that this museum be on a prominent location on or near the National Mall, and that it be established as an official part of those smithsonian. So the bill we are considering today incorporates the commissions recommendations and moves us closer to the realization of what i saw begin on this committee, mr. Chairman, 25 years ago, and that is to establish this museum. The act would establish it run by the smithsonian to be part of the smithsonian, create a process to determine a location for it on the National Mall, and appoint leadership to carry out its construction and operation. I just want to say that im very proud to be here. I welcome senator collins support and leadership. Its been fantastic, and i also thank you, senator klobuchar. As women have gained in this body, i think we have gained our ability to achieve this legislation. So thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator feinstein. Senator collins. Sen. Collins good morning. Good morning, chairman blunt, Ranking Member klobuchar, senator feinstein, and other members of this committee. Let me begin by thanking you for holding this hearing on legislation to establish new museums, including the bill that senator feinstein and i introduced, called the smithsonian american Womens History Museum act. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member klobuchar, this cause to establish a Womens History Museum has always been a bipartisan one. The very first bill that i introduced to create such a museum was in 2003. And at that time, senator s Barbara Mikulski, my Dear Colleague senator feinstein were cosponsors of that bill. This year, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage and the decades long fight for womens equality at the ballot box, it is fitting that we at long last establish an institution in our nations capitol to honor americas women. Women have made invaluable contributions to our country in every field government, business, medicine, law, literature, sports, entertainment, the arts, and the military. As senator klobuchar mentioned, here in the senate we have a Record Number of women, 26 in all serving. When i first became a senator, there were only nine of us. Telling the history of american women matters. It inspires girls to know that there are no boundaries to their potential. A museum recognizing the achievements and experiences of american women is long overdue. In 1999, a president ial commission on commemorating women in our history concluded that, an appropriate celebration of womens history in the next millennium should include the designation of a focal point for womens history in our Nations Capital. In 2014, Congress Took the important steps toward realizing this goal when it passed legislation creating an independent Bipartisan Commission to study establishing such a museum right here in washington, d. C. After 18 months, the Bipartisan Commission unanimously concluded that America Needs and deserves a physical National Museum dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and impact of women in this country. I agree wholeheartedly with the commissions conclusion, and i want to thank jane abraham for her leadership in having the in heading the commission. Following the commissions recommendations, senator feinstein and i introduced legislation to create an american Womens History Museum that would collect, study, and create programs incorporating and exhibiting a wide spectrum of womens experiences, contributions, and history. It would be part of the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring that it is free and open to all who visit washington, and would be representative of the diverse viewpoints held by american women. Its important to emphasize to that this museum would put tray would portray all aspects of womens contributions to our history without partisanship or bias. It would share the stories of pioneering women such as abolitionist harriet tubman, the founder of the girl scouts, Senate Rules Committee<\/a> held proposals for two new Smithsonian Museum<\/a>s, the american Womens History Museum<\/a> and the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. Among the witnesses, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, and actress eva longoria. His is about 90 minutes. Chairman blunt the committee on rules and administration will come to order. Good morning. I thank my colleagues for attending todays hearing, some virtually, some in person. The same for our witnesses. We are going to be welcoming them as well. The secretary of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, miss jane abraham, former chairman of the Congressional Commission<\/a> to study the potential for a national Womens History Museum<\/a>. Miss c. C. Rojas, chairman of the Latino Coalition<\/a>, and mr. Danny vargas, chairman of the friends of the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. I want to thank all of them for joining us. We will hear from a number of senators who have spent time on this and have been sponsors of this bill. Senator collins, senator cornyn, senator menendez will all be joining us for remarks following the remarks of the three of us. This is secretary bunchs second appearance before the Senate Rules Committee<\/a>. We are grateful to have him with us today. He was appointed the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> in june of 2019. And what a first year you have had. Obviously, covid forced closure of all 19 museums for the first time ever. And it happened in the middle of march of this year. That really created an opportunity and requirement for secretary bunch and the great staff of the smithsonian to even further turn to their already substantial digital efforts. They launched smithsonian cares, a new website that aggregates the smithsonians many online resources. In addition to smithsonian cares, the smithsonian offers a learning lab. That is an online tool created specifically to work with teachers and students and Distance Learning<\/a>. No shock that the learning lab had a 500 increase from march 2019 to march 2020, and i suspect that increase has only continued to grow. Established in 1846, the smithsonian, now 170 years later, encompasses 19 museums and galleries, Numerous Research<\/a> and educational facilities, the national zoo, a growing collection of 155 million objects and specimens of various kinds. We are here today to discuss whether the congress should authorize the addition of two new museums to the smithsonians vast portfolio, specifically a Smithsonian Museum<\/a> of womens history, and a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. We truly have an Expert Witness<\/a> on the whole idea of new museums and expanding museums. Secretary bunch was the founder of the African American<\/a> history and Culture Museum<\/a> and led the entire 11 year process of planning and constructing the 400,000 squarefoot museum that tells a powerful story. There are other powerful stories to be told. And that is what we are talking about today, the vibrant stories of american women and american latinos, how important they are. I just mentioned 11 years, that ther effort that secretary bunch was so involved in. Whatever we decide to do today, these critically important stories need to be told in better and more substantial ways than they have been in the past during a long period of time it would take to accomplish the goal we are talking about today, assuming we set that goal. In 2021, the smithsonian is set to open a permanent 4500 squarefoot latino gallery named the molina gallery, thanks to a 10 million gift from the molina family and the smithsonians Latino Center<\/a> continues to be a showcase for that experience at the direction of the Congressional Commission<\/a> on the study of the potential creation of a National Womens<\/a> museum. And again, miss abraham is here to talk about that. The smithsonian launched its own womens History Initiative<\/a> in 2018. That initiative has since raised 10 million toward the development of exhibition programs, educational materials, and Digital Content<\/a> across the smithsonian space. I look forward to hearing secretary bunchs update on this important work, which again we need to continue to encourage and figure out what we can do to tell this story in a better way, even if we decide to have these two new museums. They will not be available for a while. And so, senator klobuchar, i want to turn to you for any opening remarks you might have. And then we are going to recognize senator feinstein and the three senators who have joined us who have also been sponsors of this legislation. Senator klobuchar . You,klobuchar thank chairman blunt, and i am so glad we are holding this important hearing today. We have much to do, including pandemic relief. That i was looking back as you were talking about during the depression, if you go back to the 1930s, one of Franklin Roosevelts<\/a> main programs was a public art wpa project. One is hanging in my office that i have on loan for the minnesota museum. These museums will take years to build, but i actually think now is a good time to actually get this started and to get this passed. I am particularly excited to hear from our colleagues, senators collins and feinstein, who are here, as well as senator menendez and senator cornyn. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of both of these bills, and i believe these new museums are critical to expanding our understanding of the remarkable contributions women and latinos have made throughout the history of our country. The Smithsonian Institution<\/a> was founded on the noble principle that as a nation, we must strive to expand our knowledge and spread that knowledge widely. Nearly 175 years later, the smithsonian continues to fulfill its mission, having grown to become the Worlds Largest<\/a> Museum Education<\/a> and research complex. We should all be proud of it. Every year, this year different with the pandemic, but every year millions of people visit the national galleries, the national zoo. The National Mall<\/a> is lined with iconic structures that comprised the crown jewel of the smithsonian. When families come to washington and they visit these museums, they think they are seeing the complete representation of the course of the history of our nation. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. The fact that our museums do not adequately portray the contributions of women and Latino American<\/a>s has been welldocumented. In 1999, president clinton signed an executive order to establish a commission to better identify the accomplishments of women in our nations history, and to consider whether we should establish a Womens Museum<\/a>. In 1994, the smithsonian issued a report regarding the lack of representation of Latino American<\/a>s and their contributions to our nation. Of course, there have been recommendations for both of these museums for several commissions in the past. Even though the need for these museums is clear, the path to getting it done is not always clear. We know that these projects can take a long time, as the chairman pointed out, and they will require a tremendous level of resources and, lets get this, momentum. The success of the newest Smithsonian Museum<\/a>, the National Museum<\/a> of africanAmerican History<\/a> and culture, sets a High Standard<\/a> for any Museum Moving<\/a> forward. But as secretary bunch discusses in his testimony, it didnt just happen overnight. In fact, it took 13 years from the passage of congressman lewis bill until the Museum Opened<\/a> in september of 2016. Under that timeline, even if the legislation we are discussing today was signed into law tomorrow, the museums would be open to the public until 2034. That is why i would make the case we should pass legislation as soon as possible so the hard work to create these museums can truly begin. When i arrived in the senate, there were only 16 women senators, led by our dean at the time, the great senator Barbara Mikulski<\/a> from maryland, who during her time in the senate was a key leader of the legislation to establish a Womens History Museum<\/a>. And as we know, this year marks an important milestone in our democracy, the centennial of the 19th amendment, guaranteeing women in america the right to vote. We now have 26 women senators, which is an all time high. Women continue to break barriers. Earlier this month, our colleague, senator kamala harris, became the first woman elected to be Vice President<\/a> of the United States<\/a>. I loved one of the graphics that had been sent around online after the election, and it said, ladies, make sure to wear shoes because theres glass everywhere. My witness today is a latino woman who knows about breaking barriers. Eva longoria is a trailblazer for latinos in the film industry. She is known for her work both in front of and behind the camera, and continues to lead the charge of diverse and female representation in the industry and beyond. In addition to speaking about the need for a Womens History Museum<\/a>, she can provide a powerful voice in support of an american Latino Museum<\/a>s. American latinos have been a part of the country since its founding, and it is past time for their contribution and experiences to be honored with a museum on the National Mall<\/a>. I think it is very significant that our colleagues are here today, that both these bills before us have passed the house, that both these bills before us have strong bipartisan leadership, democrats and republicans coming together. It is my hope that we can add both of these bills to our final executive business meeting for the 116th congress and work to get the bills passed this year, not next year or the year after. As i point out, roosevelt did this in the middle of the depression, where he saw the future, something that wouldnt get done now but something that would help us to plan ahead for a decade from now. Think about the kids that are watching. Think about the kids that want to go to that museum and see the women are honored, latinos are honored. This is our moment to do something really great by the end of the year. Thank you. Thank you, senator klobuchar. Senator feinstein. Muchfeinstein thanks very. Ranking member klobuchar and fellow members of the committee, thank you for including the smithsonian american Womens History Museum<\/a> act in todays hearing. It has been a while coming and im very grateful. I am pleased to join my friend and colleague senator collins in introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a national Womens History Museum<\/a>. It is a long time coming. And in the senate, our 13 cosponsors include every woman who sits on this committee, mr. Chairman. And i thank Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, senators capito, fisher, hyde smith, and cortez masto for their support. In february, the house overwhelmingly passed a companion to our bill by a vote of 37437, and it is my hope that this legislation can get done by the end of the year and we can celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote, with this commission. From the earliest days of the nation, women have made substantial and lasting contributions. I dont know why the recognition process has been so difficult, but it has been. And i think the election of women to places of power like political bodies has made a difference. But the fact is, american women have transformed the fields of science, government, literature, medicine, and so much more. So, it is well past time to establish a museum that specifically pays tribute to this history. It would honor and recognize tremendous collective achievements of american women and will help to tell a more complete story of our past. Just a bit of history. In 2014, congress established an independent Bipartisan Commission<\/a> to study the potential for creating a national Womens History Museum<\/a>. Mrs. Jane abraham, chair of that commission, is here with us today and will be testifying. The commission submitted its report to congress in november 2016, with the unanimous recommendation to establish a comprehensive Womens History Museum<\/a>. The report further recommends that this museum be on a prominent location on or near the National Mall<\/a>, and that it be established as an official part of those smithsonian. So the bill we are considering today incorporates the commissions recommendations and moves us closer to the realization of what i saw begin on this committee, mr. Chairman, 25 years ago, and that is to establish this museum. The act would establish it run by the smithsonian to be part of the smithsonian, create a process to determine a location for it on the National Mall<\/a>, and appoint leadership to carry out its construction and operation. I just want to say that im very proud to be here. I welcome senator collins support and leadership. Its been fantastic, and i also thank you, senator klobuchar. As women have gained in this body, i think we have gained our ability to achieve this legislation. So thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator feinstein. Senator collins. Sen. Collins good morning. Good morning, chairman blunt, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, senator feinstein, and other members of this committee. Let me begin by thanking you for holding this hearing on legislation to establish new museums, including the bill that senator feinstein and i introduced, called the smithsonian american Womens History Museum<\/a> act. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, this cause to establish a Womens History Museum<\/a> has always been a bipartisan one. The very first bill that i introduced to create such a museum was in 2003. And at that time, senator s Barbara Mikulski<\/a>, my Dear Colleague<\/a> senator feinstein were cosponsors of that bill. This year, as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage and the decades long fight for womens equality at the ballot box, it is fitting that we at long last establish an institution in our nations capitol to honor americas women. Women have made invaluable contributions to our country in every field government, business, medicine, law, literature, sports, entertainment, the arts, and the military. As senator klobuchar mentioned, here in the senate we have a Record Number<\/a> of women, 26 in all serving. When i first became a senator, there were only nine of us. Telling the history of american women matters. It inspires girls to know that there are no boundaries to their potential. A museum recognizing the achievements and experiences of american women is long overdue. In 1999, a president ial commission on commemorating women in our history concluded that, an appropriate celebration of womens history in the next millennium should include the designation of a focal point for womens history in our Nations Capital<\/a>. In 2014, Congress Took<\/a> the important steps toward realizing this goal when it passed legislation creating an independent Bipartisan Commission<\/a> to study establishing such a museum right here in washington, d. C. After 18 months, the Bipartisan Commission<\/a> unanimously concluded that America Needs<\/a> and deserves a physical National Museum<\/a> dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and impact of women in this country. I agree wholeheartedly with the commissions conclusion, and i want to thank jane abraham for her leadership in having the in heading the commission. Following the commissions recommendations, senator feinstein and i introduced legislation to create an american Womens History Museum<\/a> that would collect, study, and create programs incorporating and exhibiting a wide spectrum of womens experiences, contributions, and history. It would be part of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, ensuring that it is free and open to all who visit washington, and would be representative of the diverse viewpoints held by american women. Its important to emphasize to that this museum would put tray would portray all aspects of womens contributions to our history without partisanship or bias. It would share the stories of pioneering women such as abolitionist harriet tubman, the founder of the girl scouts, Juliette Gordon<\/a> low. Supreme Court Justices<\/a> Sandra Day Oconnor<\/a> and ruth bader ginsburg. Leading suffrages like maines own Florence Brooks<\/a> white house, whitehouse, and so many others. The Commission Also<\/a> recommended a smithsonianwide american womens History Initiative<\/a>, and since 2018 congress has provided nearly 10 million in federal funding towards this important step toward creating the museum. Building on these successes, our bill calls for a funding commitment from both the private sector and the federal government, following the successful model used by the National Museum<\/a> of africanAmerican History<\/a> and culture. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, our bill enjoys broad bipartisan support, and i want to thank the women senators who serve on this committee, as well as others for cosponsoring it. It is also supported by several organizations, and i would add that their letters of support be entered into the record. Without objection. Sen. Collins i also want to acknowledge the steadfast leadership of congresswoman Carolyn Maloney<\/a> and congressman brian fitzpatrick, who have led the effort on the house side. In february, the house passed its bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 37437. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, as our womens Suffrage Centennial<\/a> year draws to a close, i can think of no better way to honor those women and that momentous achievement than by passing the smithsonian american Womens History Museum<\/a> act. I would note in closing, mr. Chairman, that in washington we all enjoy the many museums along the National Mall<\/a> that commemorate various aspects of our history and our culture. We even have a museum that celebrates buildings. Surely, if we can have a museum that celebrates buildings, we ought to have one, and are long in establishing one, that celebrates the many contributions of american women to our nation. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Chairman blunt thank you, senator collins. Senator cornyn. Good morning, chairman blunt, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar. Its great to be here with all of you, including our good friend senator collins, and the rest of the members of this committee. As a proud texan and senator from a border state, i have been fortunate to experience firsthand the tremendous influence of latinos on our country and culture throughout my life. From learning the stories of the brave soldiers who fought in the texas revolution, to experiencing the vast influence of the hispanic culture on my hometown of san antonio, im incredibly proud and appreciative of the latino influence on texas and american life. Unfortunately for Many Americans<\/a>, the contributions generations of latinos are largely unknown, and i hope this committee will soon take action to right this wrong by advancing legislation to establish a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. This effort has been underway for more than 25 years. I note senator collins talk ing about the long journey of Womens Museum<\/a>. These museums are not hastily established. And i think a lot of thought is has gone into both. But in particular, the Latino Museum<\/a> has been an idea whose time has now come for more than 25 years. In the 1990s, the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> commission a report commissioned a report to examine the relationship between the museum and latinos. Notably,title was entitled, willful neglect, and those two words adequately some of the findings. For everything from a lack of exhibits to curators to staff, latinos were excluded at virtually every level of the Worlds Largest<\/a> museum complex. According to a 2018 report by ucla, not much progress has been made. Latino representation within the smithsonian is still far from what it should be, even as the latino population in america has doubled. One of the recommendations in the initial 1994 report to improve representation of latinos was through the establishment of a Museum Dedicated<\/a> to the contributions of Latino American<\/a>s. As i said, that was more than 25 years ago, and congress has not yet authorized this critical museum. With the support of this committee and this congress, i hope that will change. Every year, millions of americans visit the smithsonian to learn about our nations complex and fascinating story, and the men and women who helped write it. These museums teach us about american president s, soldiers, artists, astronauts, innovators, icons, and heroes of every breed. They house priceless artifacts of American History<\/a>, from the starspangled banner which inspired the national anthem, to the hat that president lincoln was the night he assassinated. For too long, these museums have told the whole story of the rich diversity of our country. Thats slowly changing due to the recent additions of the National Museum<\/a> of the American Indian<\/a> and the National Museum<\/a> of African American<\/a> history and culture. But we still have a ways to go. The process of creating a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino began in 2008 in earnest when president george w. Bush established a commission to study the feasibility of such a museum. And again, when the report was released in 2011. Now that its been nearly a decade since the commission formally recommended dismissing this museum be built, its time to act. The National Museum<\/a> of the american latino act authorizes the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> to create a museum honoring american latinos here in washington, and i am proud to have introduced this with our colleague, senator menendez, in bipartisan fashion. This congress, nearly 300 members of the house, have cosponsored this legislation and it unanimously passed the house earlier this year. The bill has 46 cosponsors here in the United States<\/a> senate, and i hope the committee will soon favorably report this bill to the floor so we can send it to the president s desk before the end of this congress. Its been more than 25 years since this effort began. Its time to honor the contributions of generations of latinos by providing a brickandmortar home for their stories, right here in our Nations Capital<\/a>. So thank you again, mr. Chairman, and Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, for allowing me to join you here today to talk about this important step. And im happy to answer any questions you might have. Or failing that, i will go back to the judiciary committee. Chairman blunt thank you, senator cornyn. I dont know that we will have questions for the senators here, though we certainly appreciate the fact that you have been here, senator collins, cosponsor of the Womens Museum<\/a> bill. You and senator menendez, the sponsors of the museum representing and recognizing latino contributions. But thank you for being here. Now, we will turn to senator menendez for his remarks. Sen. Menendez thank you, mr. Chairman, to you and to Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar and members of the committee, thank you for holding this important hearing to review s1267, the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino act, a bill that would fill the most glaring gap in our National History<\/a> and on our National Mall<\/a> by authorizing the construction of a new Museum Dedicated<\/a> to telling the latino story. As the lead sponsor of s1267, i firmly believe firmly believe it is time hispanic americans get their own worldclass museum on the National Mall<\/a>, built and administered to the standards that only the Smithsonian Institute<\/a> can uphold. This effort has been decades in the making. As our former colleagues congresswoman Ileana Roslehtinen<\/a> and senator ken salazar of colorado wrote in the New York Times<\/a> this sunday, force outlinedk the ways in which the smithsonian almost entirely excludes and ignores latinos in nearly every aspect of its operations. Its report, willful neglect, offered 10 recommendations for improvement, including that it should support the development of a museum on the National Mall<\/a> dedicated to honoring and preserving over 500 years of american Latino History<\/a> and culture. Mr. Chairman, i would like to summit the entirety of the oped for the record. Chairman blunt without objection. Sen. Menendez this is not a partisan issue. There is strong support from both sides of the aisle to establish a Museum Dedicated<\/a> to hispanic American History<\/a>. Has nearly unanimous support from Senate Democrats<\/a> and six republican cosponsors, and accomplishment that seems barely achievable in todays hyperpartisan environment. And the companion bill in the house past the lower passed the Lower Chamber<\/a> with overwhelming support. Both parties have supported the creation of a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. In fact, the first bill to create the commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino was first introduced in the senate back in 2004 by senator orrin hatch, a republican from utah. Now is the time for congress to finish what it started almost two decades ago. No one can deny that the 60 million Latino American<\/a>s living in this country will continue to shape americas future, just as we have shaped americas past. From day one, hispanics have shaped this nation in countless ways, as military leaders, as pioneers in business and the arts, as activist and elected officials. Yet, the history and contributions of hispanic americans of the United States<\/a> since its inception have been at best overlooked, and at worst, erased. When our nations children read their assigned American History<\/a> textbooks, the presence of latinos in the United States<\/a> is missing. They are not taught that half a century before englishspeaking colonies were settled in jamestown, virginia, spanish was already being spoken in the settlement established in st. Augustine, florida. Or that bernardo day galvez, a spanish colonel of the louisiana regiment in new orleans, thwarted every British Advance<\/a> in the area, helping the army of general George Washington<\/a> when win the American Revolutionary<\/a> war. Nor are our children taught that the origins of latino presence in the United States<\/a> have little to do with economic migration as many would believe today, and more to do with american expansion with integrated hispanic occupied territories. These are but a fraction of the numerous examples of galleries and exhibitions a smithsonian National Museum<\/a> for the american latino could house for millions of visitors from all over the world to learn about. And if theres anything this recent election has taught us, it is that both democrats and republicans have lots to learn about who the latinos and latinas living in this country are. We are not a monolithic community. Some of us have ancestors who lived on the american soil before there was an america. Some of us have immigrated into the United States<\/a> from any of 20 Different Countries<\/a> around the western hemisphere, seeking the promise of opportunity. We all have unique cultural identities that make us different, and yet, all of us living in the United States<\/a> share a common bond, the continuous strive to make this country the best version of itself it can be. Thats the story that only the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> can tell, that the history of the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino will bring to life. It will inspire families, tourists, students, and people from all backgrounds to celebrate the diverse threads that bind the United States<\/a> of america together as one nation. Representation matters when it comes to our history. Imagine what it would make a latino children coming to visit our Nations Capital<\/a> and seeing their ancestors contribution to our country. What would it mean for children of different ethnic backgrounds to learn about the history of the people that look like their neighbors and their friends at school. These are the Building Blocks<\/a> of acceptance and inclusion. Its hard to believe that the month and half from 2021, a museum devoted to Latino History<\/a> does not already exist in the Nations Capital<\/a>. And today, im sure some may argue that now is not the time to build new museums, that the smithsonian has a maintenance backlog in the millions of dollars in order to bring every older museum up to standards and that we must first address that backlog for before beginning to discuss a new museum. But we have heard that excuse before, and im sure secretary bunche heard that excuse many times before turning the dreams of the smithsonian National Museum<\/a> of African American<\/a> history into a reality. S12627 has a 5050 public and private costsharing model. Pass the bill now and there is to harness the economic power of the United States<\/a> and i guarantee you that our community would meet the challenge. Its long past time for congress to pass legislation to authorize the construction of this museum, to celebrate the indelible history and contribution of Latino American<\/a>s to make america great. I thank the committee for discussing the importance of the bill, and i sincerely hope you will move forward to passage so we can finally make this dream a reality. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Chairman blunt thank you, senator menendez. We have one other cosponsor of the bill, who is also a member of the committee, who has a comment to make before we go to witnesses. For that, do you have a unanimous consent request . Sen. Klobuchar i have a letter from the Minnesota Council<\/a> of Latino Affairs<\/a> and a list of names of prominent leaders in the twin cities Latino Community<\/a> in support of the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino act, and a letter of support from 3m, a Major Company<\/a> in my state, that supports the establishing of this museum and a letter from the sponsors of the house legislation that would establish the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. I ask unanimous consent that each of these items be included in the record. Chairman blunt without objection, and senator capito who is also a member of this committee and the cosponsor of the bill, do you have some comments you would like to make . Sen. Capito i do. Thank you, mr. Chairman for i would like to thank you and Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar for the opportunity. Ill be relatively brief. We have heard all the wonderful contributions the smithsonian has made. In 2020, even this year, there have been 3. 3 million visits free of charge for people to explore our great history and to learn more about the world around us. These two bills before the committee today will expand that ability of this missoni and to provide that highquality education resource and preserve our heritage. Passage of the smithsonian american Womens History Museum<\/a> act and the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino act will enable visitors to learn more about the impact that diverse groups have had in achieving our shared history. As you mention, i am the proud cosponsor of both of these bills. I would like to thank my friend, former representative Ileana Roslehtinen<\/a>, for prevailing upon me to be a cosponsor of the National Museum<\/a> and the american latino act. She in and of herself could be an exhibit, i believe. I am proud to cosponsor both bills, as i said, and i want to recognize the leadership of all the cosponsors and the main sponsors of these bills. We know we are marking the 101st the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which gives us the perfect time to say to american women and women around the world that we want to enshrine our history and make it available to all of the women around, men and women around the world. We know we have a Record Number<\/a> of women, senator klobuchar mentioned that in congress now , and im proud to be the first woman to represent West Virginia<\/a> in the United States<\/a> senate. I can think of no better time. In West Virginia<\/a>, i created a program called West Virginia<\/a> girls rise up, which aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders. I asked the girls, i traveled the state with fifthgrade girls to encourage them to set goals for themselves, work to achieve them. I brought it to elementary and middle schools. I have fantastic guests, library of congress carla hayden, astronaut peggy whitson, a former ambassador to the United Nations<\/a> nikki haley, and others. When i think of the Womens Museum<\/a>, i think of those girls faces that i see when i do my West Virginia<\/a> girls rise up visits, and how excited they will be to be inspired by the contributions of past generations and to be able to give them the confidence to be a part of seizing that mantle of leadership in the next generation. Similarly, the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino is way overdue. We have heard how many years it has been in the making. Im very, very excited about future generations viewing the contribution of latinas all throughout this country, and reminding us our diversity has allowed our democracy to flourish. For these reasons, hopefully we can pass these bills. I thank you for letting me add my point. I am a strong sponsor of both bills and look forward to their passage. Chairman blunt thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator udall. Chairmanl thank you, blunt, and a pleasure to be with everyone here today. I am pleased to be here this morning to discuss these two bills authorizing new museums that celebrate our history, the Latino Community<\/a>, and american womens history. These museums would recognize and celebrate our nations diverse heritage, and has brought i am very pleased that this has brought bipartisan support. I am also proud to have had the chance to oversee the institution as both a member of this committee and as Ranking Member<\/a> of the Senate Interior<\/a> appropriations subcommittee. In both roles, ive worked to make sure congress is an active partner with the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> and provides the resources that it needs to meet its obligations to advance the civic, educational, scientific, and artistic life of this nation. We all know that the smithsonian requires Real Investment<\/a> to keep its existing museums operating, to expand its collections to tell the story of all americans, and to support the reach of its research and Educational Programs<\/a> across the country. I suspect we will hear this morning about the importance of gathering resources needed to bringhe next steps, to inclusivity into the narrative of our American History<\/a> through these museums, to illuminate an american story for all. And i look forward to hearing from my colleagues, secretary bunch, and the advocates here today. Sec. Heretary bunch is answering questions at this point . Chairman blunt we are not asking questions yet. We want to have his testimony first. Senator cortez masto. Thank you, masto mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a>. Thank you to all my colleagues for their statements and the witnesses today. Let me just say as the first female senator ever from the great state of nevada and the first latina ever elected to the United States<\/a> senate, i am so excited to be able to support these two museums. One of the things i think is so important to emphasize when we are discussing the future of these museums is they are not just museums for one group of people. A womans History Museum<\/a> will not just benefit women and a Latino Museum<\/a> is not just for latinos to visit. Instead, these museums are for all of us to help us expand our understanding of what it means to be an american and learn more about the contributions of all those who have come before us, and contributed to who we are today. In may 2011, the Commission Just<\/a> to the commission to study the creation of a National Museum<\/a> of american latino reached the finding that the a National Museum<\/a> focus on american Latino History<\/a>, art and culture is not only viable but essential to americas interests. Similarly in november 2016, the commission to study the potential creation of a national Womens History Museum<\/a> came to the unanimous conclusion that America Needs<\/a> and deserves a physical National Museum<\/a> dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and impact of women in this country. So, i strongly support passing these bills into law so we can start the process start the process of building two essential museums that americans need and deserve. But that also means we need to provide the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> with support for staffing, maintenance, and security of our existing museums and collection. Its long past time to make these new museums a priority. So, i hope we get serious today and in the future about making it happen. I am looking forward to the discussion today, both on the many reasons we should build these two museums, and how to continue supporting the incredible Public Service<\/a> who make the smithsonian the treasure that is. Thank you so much, mr. Chairman. Chairman blunt thank you, senator cortez masto. We will have testament enough from all of our witnesses before we have time for questions. I would remind all of them that your written testimony is part of the record. You have five minutes and you can use that by going through your written testimony or summarizing it in whatever way you think is most effective. Again, we will start with secretary bunch. Secretary bunch, glad to have you back before the committee today. Chairman blunt, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I am so grateful that you are exploring the creation of new museums of the smithsonian. As the founding director of the National Museum<\/a> of africanAmerican History<\/a> and culture, im happy to share some insights i gained in building a museum that began without a staff, without building, and without collections. And yet, the broad and diverse popularity of the museum has shown us that americans are excited about learning not only the culture of a community, how but how that story shapes and we all are. As Congress Considers<\/a> museum legislation, we continue to provide our visitors with a broader and more inclusive history. Weve integrated latino and womens history, its art, culture, scientific achievements throughout the smithsonian. In many ways, weve launched things that provide the foundation for many new museums. For example, we launched the american womens History Initiative<\/a> because of her story. In the year 2000. Lets see. Is my video now on . Im sorry. Chairman blunt mr. Secretary, i think we lost your video again, but we have your audio. We are working on your video if you want to there you are. For instance,h we launched the american womens her story. Ause of its one of countries most ambitious undertakings to research, document in display and share womens compelling stories. It established the pool of funds, increase online engagement, allowed us to do something crucial, hired curators and develop internships to ensure the next generation. It is also does produce worldclass exhibitions including votes for women, the National Portrait<\/a> gallery. Since 1997, we have also expanded representation of Latino American<\/a>s at the smithsonian with our Latino Center<\/a>. Latinoter administers a Museum Studies<\/a> program. It helps attract latino curators and it has helped us build the largest collection of latino art, any other nations major art museums. And the latina centers new exhibitions, baseball, will open next april and one of his crowning achievements is the molina family gallery. Its inaugural exhibition will give us a Latino History<\/a> of the United States<\/a>, which will be the First National<\/a> latino gallery on the National Mall<\/a>. Thank you for your ongoing support for Latino Center<\/a> and the womens History Initiative<\/a>. Creating new museums is challenging, but the smithsonian has the skill, experience, and expertise to do it right. Obviously, it is something i care passionately about. We can create museums that meet the need of the nation and showcase the United States<\/a> to the world. But to do so, there are several things we must determine. Public expectations of a museums size, programs, new technology, collections, and staffing are all issues we want to think about and grapple with. And most importantly, a suitable location. And yet, irrespective of physical space, we have seen how important it is to reach audiences digitally. Since march, when our use of Digital Assets<\/a> has dramatically increased. For example, we created a learning lab which is our free platform that contains millions of authentic digital resources, and this missoni and cares initiative is an extensive collection of our online resources people can use from home, including open access collections, Distance Learning<\/a> resources, online events, exhibitions, and podcasts. These considerations, as well as anddesign, construction, operation of future museum costs, must be part of any discussion. With the support of congress, we continue to make headway addressing the backlog of maintenance costs to our major renovations and our targeted approach of maximizing our limited resources. Allocating resources between existing needs and new projects will always create tension. Appropriate resource levels can minimize that tension. Congressional support can help fund a new museum and help us address our significant maintenance requirements. It would be crucially important for both to be addressed because we want to make sure that we can create and continue to improve and provide highquality experiences for our visitors. I trust members of this committee will understand and will plan for the longterm obligations the new museums would incur. Thank you for holding history. Holding this hearing. Its important to me. Thank you for your ongoing support and for your commitment to sharing the experiences of all americans, and i am happy to answer any questions you may have. Chairman blunt thank you, secretary bunch. If you will stay with us, we will go ahead and have all of our witnesses testify and then everybody will be available for questions for whatever time we have for questions. But again, thanks for your presence here today and her leadership at the smithsonian. Jane abraham is a former chairman of the Congressional Commission<\/a> to study the potential for a national Womens History Museum<\/a>, also on a smithsonian effort looking at how that story is being currently told. Misses abraham, we are glad youre here with us and look over to your testimony. Mrs. Abraham thank you. Do i need to push something . There. Ok. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, members of the committee, and committee staff, thank you for inviting me to join you here today. I proudly stand in support of senate bill 959 to establish the first ever comprehensive Womens History Museum<\/a> as part of the smithsonian. I would like to tell you why i believe this is the best way to pay tribute to the remarkable role women have played in americas history. In december 2014, congress considered this question important enough to form a bipartisan National Commission<\/a> consisting of eight women, all appointed by house and senate leaders, and all from very different walks of life. I had the honor of chairing that commission. Over 18 months from july 2015 through november 2016, we explored how to most effectively tell the story of womens phenomenal contributions to the history of america. And as i am sure each of you knows, in washington in recent years, finding Bipartisan Solutions<\/a> to policy challenges can be nearly impossible. Indeed, any group of four democrats selected by Speaker Pelosi<\/a> and former leader reid and four republicans picked by then Speaker Boehner<\/a> and leader mcconnell might be expected to reach an impasse on almost any policy solution. Trust me when i say our group of eight commissioners were an outspoken, opinionated Group Representing<\/a> the full spectrum of political viewpoint. And no one was shy about expressing her views. The good news is we did not end up with gridlock. Instead, this Bipartisan Commission<\/a> found common ground. We found a way to stand together, work through differences, listen deeply to each other, respect and trust that we were committed to the same outcomes. Ultimately, that is the spirit that divides a democratic government for american at its inception, and it is that spirit which this american Womens History Museum<\/a> will recognize, elevate, and celebrate. We believe the unified, bipartisan plan we forged together deserves your support, and the support of the american people. Our overall conclusion was that America Needs<\/a> and deserves a National Museum<\/a>, one that is part of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, that is dedicated to the often Untold Stories<\/a> of exceptional women who changed the course of our nations history. We now believe this museum is more important than ever. Such a National Museum<\/a> will reflect all the many different ideas, perspectives, and causes that were championed, incented, invented, and led by american women. It will remind us of our nations inspiring history and our limitless future. Thats why we believe we can raise significant funds from the private sector to support the this venture. This museum reflects that the site of so many women and men to reflect on the uncommon achievements that contributed to americas place in the world, and their desire that the next generation know about those achievements as well. Now more than ever, we believe americans are eager for such a museum, not just mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, but fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons as well. We believe the new leadership of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> also recognizes that. The commission acknowledged that museums are not built overnight and the project would require at least a 10 year timeline. But we wanted to get going immediately. During the commissions deliberations, we had a series of conversations with smithsonian leadership. As a result, the Commission Proposed<\/a> that the first critical phase establish an entity called the american womens History Initiative<\/a> within the smithsonian. We felt that this initiative would immediately make womens history a top priority across all of the Smithsonian Museum<\/a>s and would be the first essential step toward a permanent museum. Were delighted that as result of our recommendation the smithsonian immediately launched this first step in 2017, and was instrumental in securing the first 3 million to begin it. As you have heard from secretary bunch, the initiative has been very successful over the past four years. We are very grateful to the smithsonian for taking the Womens Initiative<\/a> from an idea to reality. My fellow commissioners and i unanimously support senate bill 959. We ask each of you to join us, and we encourage unanimous support from the entire senate. I especially want to thank senator collins for sponsoring the smithsonian american Womens History Museum<\/a> act and senator feinstein for being the original cosponsor, along with the many members of this committee who are also cosponsors. I appreciate the opportunity to testify this morning and ask at that the supporting documents and letters of support i have submitted and have been received by the rules committee be read into the record. Id be happy to answer any questions. Chairman blunt we will accept those things into record without objection. Danny vargas is the chairman of the friends of the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino, and mr. Vargas, we are glad to have you with us today. good morning, chairman blunt, and Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. As an air force veteran and a dead [inaudible] i would like to think our many supporters. We have received support from academia and individuals and we ask that these be entered into the record. We need to know where we came from. Uch of our history books are incomplete. Oft americans are unaware their contributions. Our mission is to create a museum that illuminates americans stories. By the time of 1607 [indiscernible] america would be unrecognizable, including our military. But he does have but in every war weve ever had. From spanish general the galvez, to the first full admiral in the United States<\/a> navy famously saying damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead during the civil war. To the armies infantry regiment and the legendary exploits in korea and the thousands of hispanic surnames and shun the Vietnam Veterans<\/a> memorial wall. From young latinos serving and sacrificing battlefields of afghanistan and iraq. I can tell you latinos take a backseat to know in the defense of liberty. Our community has had a Lasting Impact<\/a> impact in every single aspect of society. From arts to science to business, sports, politics and more. One of my first heroes Roberta Clemente<\/a> ushered in excelled despite facing disgraced because both looking up like. Linda carter change the face of strong women on tv here before brown v. The board of education there was mendez versus westminster which laid the groundwork for school desegregation. We have been relying on with you to fight a worse and to mend our wounds. To teach our kids come patrollers treats ensure the word of god. Contrary to what people may believe, we are an essential foundational thread woven into the fabric of america. We are a wonderfully complex community today, over 18 of the population. 2 trillion in purchasing power, we are afro latino and more. We are not a race, we are a culture. We are republicans democrats and independents. We have shared values my family and faith and freedom and opportunity and optimism and pride and passion and those of the qualities most needed in our country today. We have responsible to inspire future generations. By 2060 latinos will make up 30 of the population so for help treatment of strong and vibrant nation that segment of the population needs to feel acknowledged and invested in our future. This initiative begin twice begin 26 years ago when the smithsonian task force in 2008 present bush signed the bill crating the commission to study the museum usability which i was a poor to buy john boehner. We delivered a report to congress and president obama saying three basic things. There was a clear and pressing need for the museum. It should be part of the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> and it ought to be on the National Mall<\/a>. That year we first introduced the authorization bill and this year the house passed the american latino act unanimously with the unanimous voice vote. We urge the full senate to pass the house bill by unanimous consent. The house bill includes language ensuring the diversity of political viewpoints. This would be the first and only Smithsonian Museum<\/a> in its history requiring representation affairs points of view including the conservative viewpoint. We stand on the shoulders of the leaders who created previous Ethnic Museum<\/a> spirit we have learned and im confident in our ability to raise the funds needed to build a worldclass institution. Ive been involved with this initiative for the last 13 years. It is a labor of love. Its about family. One day got one ill be able to walk into this museum with my family and my two sons daniel and david. A sixthgrader can come and visit the monuments and go to the National Museum<\/a>s and the american Latino Museum<\/a> and see these stories and more, and leave that museum proud to be an american. Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify and a happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you, mr. Vargas. Its great to see you again and another friend of this committee, cici rojas is a chairman of the Latino Coalition<\/a> will be our next witness. Good morning chairman blunt, and thank you, Ranking Member<\/a> klobuchar, and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. As a proud midwesterner from missouri, engaged citizen whose work of many worthy projects, most importantly a mother, it is truly an honor to be before you to testify for such a meaningful project. I also served on the friends of the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino with my board colleague danny vargas. However i come before you today as the chairman of the latino coaltion foundation, a National Organization<\/a> dedicated to providing latino businesses a platform to thrive in shape public policy. We strive to accomplish our mission by advocating for pinnacle efforts such as this. Latinos have contributed positively to every aspect of American History<\/a>. They have impacted the eighth of business, education, health, sports and most recently politics. Latino community has probably enriched our nations competitiveness, culture and prosperity throughout the generations. We are a Diverse Community<\/a> with the right range of viewpoints can work environments and passion, yet we possess the commonality of valuing the importance of culture, family and patriotism. Therefore we find it vital we proudly share our incredible stories and celebrate a more complete telling of American History<\/a>. Our community has been essential to our nations past and will be integral to our current and future history. Here is a summary of some impressive facts to make hispanic americans critical to america. Our population size and growth. At nearly 60 Million People<\/a> making up 18 of the u. S. Population, latinos are the largest diverse population segment and account for over 50 of total population growth from 20082018. Today, one in four, or 25 , children under 18 is a hispanic descent. Hispanic hispanics are projected 30 of the population by 2060. As a result with teams are becoming an economic force. In 2017 hispanic households earned more than 1 trillion. This allowed them to pay more than 252. 2 billion in federal and local taxes. Hispanic household help more than 781 billion in spending power. Latinos are a Thriving Business Community<\/a> and job creators. We are opening more Small Businesses<\/a> faster than anyone else in the u. S. With a a total of 4. 7 million making on businesses, one in four new businesses are latino out and provide 3 million jobs to workers in the u. S. With over 2. 3 trillion in 2018 gross domestic product, american latinos are the eighth largest economy in the world. Ism a funding standpoint, it equally important to note the museum will be built utilizing a 5050 model. 50 of the costs of construction of the museum will be raised through private funds by the museums border region. The remaining 50 will be appropriated by congress. Additionally house bill added language to ensure diversity of political views reflecting the diversity of our community as a whole. Although there will be many stories enshrined in museum which will highlight the struggles and resilience of this community, as well as celebrate the achievements of latinos across all industries, the most Important Message<\/a> is about the latino story is the american story, and as a nation we must honor the promise of what our country was built on and stands for. One such example of those Great American<\/a> stories that made a positive impact in the Latino American<\/a> community is that of the late hector barreiro, and midwesterner. Hector was born in mexico city , mexico in 1935. Has American Journey<\/a> began in 1950 when he moved to west central missouri. After series of hard and backbreaking jobs, he decided to do it Many Americans<\/a> do, be his boss. He started his First Enterprise<\/a> a Mexican Restaurant<\/a> and that is something that grew into another and then another. After success in business you want to establish the u. S. Hispanic chamber of congress to this during two successive one of many latinos whose tales are woven into the American History<\/a> and whose essence we captured within the walls of the national latino, National Museum<\/a> of the american latino for generations to come. Thank you for this opportunity, and i welcome your questions. Thank you, ms. Rojas. Our last witness today, eva longoria, is an actor, activist, member of the commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. Ms. Longoria, were glad to have you with us here today. Thank you, chairman blunt. I appreciate this opportunity. Thank you Ranking Member<\/a> , klobuchar and committee members. It is my honor to be here alongside my fellow witnesses and community leaders, danny vargas, cici rojas, and jane abraham. As a woman, as a latina, and ninth generation american, i come before you as a citizen who lives at the intersection of the opportunities that we have gathered here to discuss the establishment of the National Museum<\/a> of the american latino and the national Womens History Museum<\/a>. If you look at our history textbooks, look at our National Monument<\/a> and our celebrated statues, they only reflect one kind of american hero, when it one that looks like our founding fathers, white and male. There are many other extraordinary americans who are responsible for scientific breakthroughs, military feats, civil rights accomplishments, artistic achievements, and landmark legislation. But when you dont have representation in the official record, these contributions are effectively erased. Tens of millions of people visit smithsonian use using teacher year and witheach an incomplete picture of our nations history. When we allow this to go unaddressed we maintain the status quo in which women and latinos are left out of our collective perception of American History<\/a>, relegated as sidekicks to white male heroes. Our history is only shared as a footnote or in relation to someone elses story, like Dolores Huerta<\/a> to cesar chavez, or Eleanor Roosevelt<\/a> to fdr. Thats why this legislation is presented to you today to correct the record. For womens history, this statute sums this up. In february 1921 the National Womens<\/a> Party Presented<\/a> congress with the statute of Elizabeth Cady<\/a> stanton, susan b. Anthony, and lucretia mott, three white pioneers of the Womens Suffrage Movement<\/a>. The statues inscription included a quote that asked for justice, not favor. Men, their rights and nothing more. Women, the rights and nothing less. At that time, congress gained inscription blasphemous and removed from the statute and then build the statute to the basement of congress where it remained for 76 years out of public view in the eyes of three generations of american girls. Three generations of young women who could have benefited from the display of statute because of what it represented, women claiming the place in americas future. Thanks to decades of work by congresswoman Carolyn Maloney<\/a> and other dedicated women on both sides of the aisle this monument now lives in the rotunda of the u. S. Capitol alongside statues of Martin Luther<\/a> king, jr. And George Washington<\/a>. This statue of three white women is just one part of the story. Its not the whole story which includes centuries of labor by black and white and latina and asian and indigenous activist. This struggle for recognition mirrors the battles we continue to fight today, two centuries after the Womens Suffrage Movement<\/a> begin, a lack of representation of womens place in history prevents us from moving forward on gender equality issues today, from wage gap, to reproductive freedom, to representation boardrooms and government. If america cant recognize our past contributions, how can america respect our present significance . We wont achieve full gender equality until generations of girls and boys have the opportunity to see the complete picture of womens accomplishments, historic feats and innovations which represent half of our nations story. Not only today as woman but as a latina, 80 of americans identify as american latinos, the largest Minority Ethnic Group<\/a> in the country. As dr. Rudy acuna wrote, history is not supposed to be ideological. It is truth to do some known facts. So for the latina committee, the facts are missing because theres no story in American History<\/a> that is not include american latinos. We have been here since before the mayflower, since before the colonies, since before the declaration of independence. We have a broad and Diverse Community<\/a> from indigenous latinos to black and after ro latinos to caribbean latinos. We have built country brick by brick, railroad by railroad, from seed to harvest and we did this alongside the folks who already have the place in history books and museums. Often this people with a very same people who are oppressed us yet its our story that isnt told. But now we have the chance. We have the chance to correct the record to present a full, clear picture of our diverse nation and the Smithsonian Institution<\/a>, the official record of our history and culture has the opportunity to recognize the fact that latinos are a cinch to are as essential to americas history as they are to americas future. Our institutions must be large enough to hold the truth and the expanse of American History<\/a> and large enough to offer representation, inspiration and the promise of a Bright Future<\/a> to all of our nations people. When i served on the National Museum<\/a> at the american latino commission, we traveled the country and held town halls in phoenix to philadelphia. It was no surprise there was very little representation of latinos in our greatest museums. But with each stop, members of the community offered heartfelt testimonies about the art and the artifacts and the stories that should live in a National Museum<\/a> of the american latino. More than what it should contain , they shared what he would represent. Finally an acknowledgment that we, too, are heroes and an American History<\/a>. We are patriots. We take pride in the country we have all built together. Without the museum, it is all too easy for some to write off the accomplishments of latinos and a place in this nation. Its easy to vilify us to get and hold us back from claiming our place in history and hold us back from full equality as american citizens. To establish this museum on the National Mall<\/a>, the place were we inaugurate our president s, ourr our veterans, exercise freedom of speech and conduct the basis of our nation in congress, that which the method send the message that we belong among our nations most important monuments. Because of offering each of the american the opportunity to fully understand and appreciate women and latina contributions we can collectively work towards the highest ideal of our nation, one out of many. Out of many, one. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Thank you, very much. And thanks to all of our witnesses for really outstanding and helpful testimony. We are in the middle of a series of votes on the floor, and so were going to bring this to a conclusion in a minute. I hope everybody that wants to has time to ask two or three questions. Let me start with that. Secretary bunch, you said in interviews that the most important work you have ever done was the opportunity to build the museum you built. Whats the most important lesson you learned in the most important work you have ever done that might relate to these two questions were looking at today . In some ways its really two things. First is that the American Public<\/a> has a thirst to understand itself come to understand itself fully. And by looking at the africanamerican experience that was one of the ways we enrich the public understanding of our identity. Secondly, what was really clear to me is that this is something that the smithsonian is good at, crafting a museum that is full of wonder, that is rife with scholarship, that inspires and education, that in essence as part of the glue that holds the country together. What i learned more than anything else is the smithsonian has a responsibility to help america better understand itself, to look at its past clearly and candidly, to use that past to understand where we are today, and use that past to point us to a better tomorrow. Thank you. Youre in a perfect position to give advice on this as we move forward on this legislation. Do you believe it has everything it needs to have in it to launch the fund raising effort and the other effort that youre familiar with that needs to be made . I think there are a couple of things that can be sharpened. I think its crucially important to have a 5050 funding mechanism. Thats really key. But its also important to recognize there needs to be some significant resources upfront to allow a museum to move forward. To think about how its built a fund raising apparatus. How it begins to bring people together, scholars and others, to think about what this museum could really be. I think its also essential to find a way to better rationalize the way the public money was mixed with the private money. Is it a onetoone ratio . Whats the way to really ensure that you can plan based on what you know will be coming in the future . But i think that in many ways, this is an opportune time to change the country by helping it better understand through the creation of these museums. Good, i hope we have a chance to follow up on that in the near future before we finalize this bill, and look at the two things you just mentioned. Mrs. Abraham, i think you said in your testimony you thought that currently the smithsonian was stepping up and telling this story in a better way in the likely decade we had even if we went forward. Am i right in characterizing your view of that . Yes, i do believe that the smithsonian has implemented our first recommendation, which was to establish the initiative within the smithsonian to do a better job of sharing the stories about womens history because we recognize as a commission that it would take at least 10 years to be able to build a permanent museum. And looking at the africanamerican example of their museum and cultural being able to build that infrastructure and nucleus of the museum in existing smithsonian was critical. And so we felt it was the first important step. Were so proud that the smithsonian embraced that, and do believe that they are doing a very nice job as we move forward with establishing a permanent museum. Ms. Rojas added that the house bill added language on the american Latino Museum<\/a> in recognizing the importance of understanding the diversity of political views. Is there anything like that in the other bill, or should there be . Well, there is on the house version, the wicker amendment did something very, have he ad something similar to that and certainly, i would support if in the Senate Version<\/a> there was a companion amendment. Let me just tell you, our eight commissioners could not have been more diverse politically and the topic of content was something that we discussed many, many times over the 18 months that we participated. And we felt very strongly, which resulted in our unanimous recommendation, that this museum needed to represent all viewpoints on all issues. And so, we would support, certainly, any strengthening amendment that the senate felt necessary. Thank you, ill have a couple of questions for the record for other three witnesses, but if were going to let other her people ask questions, i need to stop at the end of my five minutes and so i will. Senator klobuchar. Thank you very much. Thank you, senator blunt. I moved over from the hearing room, and i wanted to show director blunt that i have arts in the weisman art gallery on loan to my office and i appreciate your leadership, secretary blunt. I know the goal number for the Smithsonian Institution<\/a> Strategic Plan<\/a> discusses the need to impact the 21st century audiences, and it reads exactly this we will let the complete american story inperson and online in our museums and exhibits and programs and across focus on all americans, nationally and locally. To me, the american and the National American<\/a> Latino Museum<\/a> embody the spirit of that goal, do you agree . I do indeed agree. I think its important that my career has been about expanding the narrative and making sure that we have a diverse inclusive history, and i think thats really always been the goal of the smithsonian under my leadership. So these museums can help us an chieve that goal. So, i understand that you have a backlog and youre prudent about how to manage the museums, we appreciate that, but when the africanamerican museum started of course, did you have this kind of pushback and you have advice for all of us as we move forward on these two museums . I think its important to recognize that there is the great need to help the smithsonian improve its backlog. My notion has been with the right resources and creative leadership, the smithsonian can do several things at once. Its important to me to make sure that we maintain all that we have. Were also open to the possibilities new. Very good. I think thats really important to remember. In my Opening Statement<\/a> i talked about how even during the great depression, that the roosevelts and the wpa, one of the murals in my personal office here and to the mural that art was a big part of us not losing and thats what i wanted to remember. So, we look at doing this during the middle of this economic crisis. I turn to ms. Longoria, thank you so much for being here. I gave you some nice words. Thank you. And would you talk about how we could take our world for generations to come. It will matter to kids, latino kids, to little girls that they see theyre represented with their own museum. Yes, thank you, senator klobuchar, thank you for all of your work. Look, representation matters. If weve learned anything. Its a two fold benefit because its important for everyone to see themselves reflected in our history and in our art, they can feel that their experiences are seen and understood, so they can be inspired to similar feats by people who look like them and sound like them. So thats for young little girls and also for latinos everywhere. But the second part is it educates others about us, ok, and quality representation, teaches us about each other. For some folks who dont have a latino in their town, you know, learning about journalists or labor rights leaders, teaches about the values of our community and the values and strength of women and shares who we are and what we care about. So i think its more importantly allows us to better understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints and shared priorities as americans, thats what were missing right now, i think. The museums are not just for women and for latinos, its going to be for everybody. And we do appreciate the work that secretary blunt has done in terms of bringing the exhibits in, but i think so much of many of us would be so excited to actually get these museums we have been talking about for so long, but i appreciate also you brought up the statue and youre somehow competing, ms. Longoria with Mark Zuckerberg<\/a> and dorsey in a judiciary hearing i have going on at the same time, but i prioritized you. Thank you. I love that you brought up that statue, because i dont know that everyone knows about this, that this was presented to congress in 1921 with the suffragettes, and its three women and put in the basement of the senate as an attempt to erase especially the words that were at the bottom of the statue that were considered blasphemous at the time. I want you to know that weve gotten the statue out of the basement, our first step. And restoring it where it belongs, but i want to let you know that, and thank you for your work and thank you to all the witnesses. I know were not going to be able to do another round because of the vote scheduled. Thanks to all of you, im excited to get moving and look forward to working with the smithsonian. Thank you, senator klobuchar. Thank you. I dont believe any other member is waiting to ask questions. I have one other question if they dont. I think everybodys on the floor at this point or headed to the floor to vote. Thinking about the next 10 years, miss rojas and mr. Vargas, are you comfortable with the way the story is being moved in a new direction, as to how we tell it . Is there enough input in telling the story, the latino story as part of the current structure of the smithsonian . Ms. Rojas . And have you been asked for input on that would be another part of that question for both of you. Ill turn to my colleague, mr. Vargas, as well. I believe that we have been to this was been very weve been very active input in content along the way and with advocates like ms. Longoria, we have people who are also thinking about this actively. How we can make the most robust story telling that we can and obviously, trying to project out, you know, who we should be talking to now or what, you know, because like you said, 2034. We certainly have to be curating the content, and i believe we have great resources and talent thinking about that. Danny, i would ask you to weigh in. Thank you, chairman. I would ask the following, we applaud strongly the efforts of the smithsonian Latino Center<\/a>, theyve been can you feel work theyre incorporating into other Smithsonian Institution<\/a>s, museums, the molina gallery coming up. We strongly support their efforts and applaud what they were able to do. Ill tell you as one of the former commissioners on the commission, we travel around the country reaching out to audiences and from california to new york and puerto rico and everything in between. What we heard was that there was a strong need and desire to be able to tell this incredibly complex story. This is a story of not just the origin of the United States<\/a> of america, but also the ongoing evolution of the Latino Community<\/a> in the country. 23, 24 Different Countries<\/a> of origin over time. Its a multidimensional journey through time and space. To be able to tell that story well is going to require a full museum, full complement of professionals and curators. The Latino Center<\/a> is a significant first step, but until we have a full museum the next 10 years or so, i think it is yet to be told well and completely. Thank you to the witnesses. The record will remain open for one week from today. The committee is adjourned. Thank you. [captions Copyright National<\/a> cable satellite corp. 2020] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [inaudible conversations] has top cspan two it nonfiction books and others every weekend. Coming up, saturday at 9 00 p. M. Eastern former president barack obama reflects on his life and political career is newly released memoir a promised land. Book and markets Institute Sally Hubbard<\/a> and her book monopoly sucks, seven ways big corporations will your life and how to take back control. At 10 00, former appellate judge and George Mason University<\/a> law professor Douglas Ginsburg<\/a> and his boy book voices of our republic examines the constitution to the eyes of judges, legal scholars, and historians. Tv on cspan2 and be sure to watch indepth live sunday, december 6 with our guest author and chair of africanamerican studies at Princeton University<\/a> any claude junior. Cspanican history tv on three exploring the people and events that tell the american story every weekend. Coming up this weekend saturday at 7 00 p. M. Eastern, and interview on leadership with james baker, who served as secretary of state under george h. W. Bush and as Ronald Reagans<\/a> white house chief of staff and treasury secretary. Eastern Connecticut State University<\/a> professor on the close and rumored relationship between two prominent midnight century mid19th politicians, James Buchanan<\/a> and William Rufus<\/a> king. Sunday at 6 00 p. M. 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President elect joe biden announced a number of Foreign Policy<\/a> and National Security<\/a> po","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia601706.us.archive.org\/18\/items\/CSPAN_20201128_035900_Senate_Rules_Committee_Holds_Hearing_on_Proposed_New_Smithsonian_Museums\/CSPAN_20201128_035900_Senate_Rules_Committee_Holds_Hearing_on_Proposed_New_Smithsonian_Museums.thumbs\/CSPAN_20201128_035900_Senate_Rules_Committee_Holds_Hearing_on_Proposed_New_Smithsonian_Museums_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240716T12:35:10+00:00"}