A massive year-end deal to fund the government and provide coronavirus relief, which is expected to pass Congress later Monday, will establish a National Museum of the American Latino and American Women's History Museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution.
Why it matters: Earlier this month, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) blocked separate legislation that would have created the two museums despite broad bipartisan support.
- The Smithsonian Institution operates more than a dozen museums and galleries, but none are dedicated to the contributions and history of Latino Americans and women.
What they're saying: “Building a Smithsonian Women’s History Museum, a testament to the women who helped build and shape this nation, has been years in the making and I am thrilled that we are finally set to pass this historic legislation,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), who sponsored the House version of the women's history museum bill, said in a statement Monday.
- Sen. Bob Menendez, who sharply criticized Lee for blocking the previous bill, called the inclusion of a Latino history museum in the legislation a "big win."
- "We will finally have a Latino Museum that elevates our stories & history," Menendez tweeted Monday.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨 My bill to create a National @LatinoMuseum was included in the final annual spending bill that Congress is expected to pass today!
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) December 21, 2020
This is a big win for Latinos all across our country. We will finally have a Latino Museum that elevates our stories & history. pic.twitter.com/8wkjBc7Mnu
