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CAPAC Leadership Applauds Senate Passage of AAPI Museum Study Bill

May 20, 2022

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the Senate passed H.R. 3525, Congresswoman Rep. Grace Meng’s Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act, which will nowbe moved to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The bill will authorize a commission to study the potential creation of a national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture. The authorization of a commission study is the first step in the process for creating a new national museum, potentially as part of the Smithsonian Institution. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair, issued the following statement upon passage of the bill:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

“I applaud the Senate for their passage of CAPAC First Vice-Chair Congresswoman Grace Meng’s bill allowing for the creation of a panel to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. This is an important step forward in recognizing the countless contributions made by the AAPI community and celebrating the diverse array of rich culture and heritage of our communities. This museum will be a crucial tool for educating our country about how our history IS American history and will help to combat the bigotry and xenophobia that is a driver of anti-Asian hate. I encourage President Biden to swiftly sign this bill into law as we continue celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and bring us one step closer to creating this museum.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair:

“I am overjoyed that the Senate unanimously passed my AAPI Museum Study bill yesterday. Last month, my House colleagues also voted unanimously to pass the legislation, and I am thrilled it now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Our American history has been shaped by the contributions of AAPIs, and this bill brings us one step closer to a physical museum where AAPI history, culture, and accomplishments would be displayed and preserved for future generations. As we reflect on our past, celebrate our present excellence, and dream of our future during this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this bill provides an opportunity to showcase the importance of telling our full and diverse American story in a national museum. I am so grateful for the support and allyship of Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Hirono, whose advocacy and support were essential in passing this bill through the Senate in such a short time. I could think of no better way to close out AAPI Heritage Month than having this legislation signed into law by President Biden!”  

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