Update: Latino Museum Bill Receives Senate Hearing

Washington - A bipartisan effort to make the vision of a National Museum of the American Latino Community a reality took an important step forward today when it received a Senate hearing. The hearing was chaired by United States Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), who, along with Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), is leading the bipartisan fight in the Senate to establish this important cultural museum for the Nation.

Senator Salazar, along with Senators Martinez and Menendez, re-introduced the Latino Museum Commission Act (S.500) earlier this year. The bipartisan legislation was also backed by 19 other Senators, and would establish a Commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community in Washington, D.C. Senators Salazar and Martinez previously introduced the bill during the 109th Congress as a companion bill to legislation introduced by Congressman Xavier Becerra's (D-CA) in March 2006.

Senator Salazar noted the growing Congressional support momentum for the creation of the National Museum, saying in his opening remarks, "This bipartisan legislation has been introduced for the past several years and it was one of the first bills to pass out of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 110th Congress."

"Regardless of nation of origin, Hispanics share common experiences and a common bond in the U.S. As the largest demographic minority population in the United States, it would be a fitting tribute to highlight the successes of this community through a national museum," said Senator Martinez.

"The Latino community is vital to American life, art, culture and industry, and this bipartisan legislation would honor those contributions," said Senator Menendez. "With this recognition, we are acknowledging that America's success would not be possible without the contributions of Latino people. The National Museum of the American Latino Community will further acknowledge that Latino culture, dreams and advancements are not outside, but within the very fabric of American life."

"Senators Salazar, Martinez and Menendez have done incredible work to bring this important legislation to the attention of their colleagues," Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) said. "Today's hearing, coupled with last month's unanimous passage of H.R. 512, is further proof that there exists the will and the interest to see this project come to fruition."

Testifying on behalf of the Latino museum bill was Oscar-nominated and Emmy-award-winning filmmaker and entrepreneur Moctesuma Esparza, whose production credits include The Milagro Beanfield War, Selena, Gettysburg, Gods and Generals, and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. His most recent film, Walkout, was produced for HBO and is based on actual events of 1968, during which Latino high school students in East L.A. walked out of class to protest unequal education.

In his testimony, Mr. Esparza noted, "I became involved in the film industry because I wanted to take on the roles of transforming the image of Hispanics in Hollywood, and by extension, the American public. Since producing my first documentary Requiem 29, I have strived to ensure that the history of the Latinos in this country is told and understood. Having movies, television shows, books, and other media to view is critical, as is having visible leaders, who have lived the American Latino experience. However, I believe having a National institution for Americans and the millions of tourists can visit is just as critical."

Having received a hearing, the Latino Museum Commission Act now moves on to the next step: a review and approval by the full Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This step, known as a "mark-up," has not yet been scheduled. Earlier this year, the House passed H.R. 512, Congressman Becerra's House companion to S.500.