As the clock ticks down to her final day in Congress, the first Hispanic Republican woman to serve in Congress wants to expand the Smithsonian to honor Latinos.
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., who announced earlier this year that this would be her last term in Congress, showcased her bill to create a National Smithsonian American Latino Museum. The bill is being co-sponsored in the House by U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano, D-NY, while U.S. Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Bob Menedez, D-NJ, are championing it in the Senate.
“Latinos have made incredible contributions to our nation in every field and endeavor,” Ros-Lehtinen said. “I’m joining with my colleagues, Representative Jose Serrano, and Senators Bob Menedez and John Cornyn to help ensure that those contributions are honored and recognized in a National American Latino Museum. This bill is the first step in the right direction to make this museum a reality. Together, in a united bi-partisan manner we will make this happen. As the first Hispanic woman to serve in the Florida House, Florida Senate, and Congress, I know that while we have made great strides, much more is left to be done and it us up to us to show young Latinos and Latinas that they can achieve great things with hard work and dedication.”
“Latinos deserve a place in Washington that honors all their sacrifices and contributions to this nation since its founding,” Serrano said. “With this legislation we are one step closer to making the American Latino museum a reality by identifying potential sites and an appropriate funding mechanism. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Senator Menendez, and Senator Cornyn on this bipartisan effort to honor Latinos’ diverse contributions to the American story.”
Seven other members of the House are co-sponsoring the proposal including U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla.
The bill could have a long way to go in the House before it becomes law. Last week, it was sent to three House committees--Administration, Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure.
First elected to Congress in 1989 to replace the legendary Claude Pepper, Ros-Lehtinen has risen up the Republican ranks to become one of the GOP’s leaders on foreign policy and international affairs. During her tenure in Congress, she became the first woman to lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee and she is currently the chairwoman of the House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. Earlier this year, she announced this would be her last term in Congress.
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