Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The LA City Council Unanimously Endorse Rep. Becerra'a Museum Legislation
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council yesterday gave a strong vote of support to H.R. 512 and S. 500, legislation authored by Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31) and Senator Ken Salazar (CO) that would establish a commission to study the potential creation of a national museum in Washington, D.C., focused on Latino art, history and culture. The council unanimously approved a resolution formally endorsing the bills.
The resolution was authored by Council President Eric Garcetti and was introduced by the Latino Caucus of the city council, which includes Garcetti and council members Richard Alarcon, Tony Cardenas, Jose Huizar and Ed Reyes. It states that the "City of Los Angeles hereby includes in its 2007-2008 Legislative Program, SUPPORT for H.R. 512 (Becerra) and S. 500 (Salazar)."
Upon learning of the city's endorsement of his legislation, Rep. Becerra, Assistant to the Speaker of the House, expressed enthusiasm for the bill's continued momentum and appreciation for Council President Garcetti's efforts and for the council's support.
"I am thrilled to learn that my home town has come out in full support of this important piece of legislation," Rep. Becerra said. "As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Los Angeles is at the forefront of our nation's efforts to become a more inclusive and perfect union. City Council President Eric Garcetti and the entire City Council have shown tremendous leadership by publicly recognizing that the time has come to include the contributions of the American Latino community in our nation's narrative."
Yesterday's resolution is the first such action taken by a local municipality to express support for H.R. 512/S. 500. Other cities will likely follow suit.
"As Los Angeles, California, goes, so too does the country," Rep. Becerra quipped.
H.R. 512, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino Act, co-authored with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), was approved by unanimous voice vote in the House of Representatives February 6, 2007. Senator Ken Salazar (CO) introduced an identical companion bill, S. 500, in the Senate on the same day. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on S.500 March 20, and a formal markup of the legislation is expected soon.
Once approved by the Senate and signed by the president, the legislation will set up a 23 member commission charged with producing a national conference to bring stakeholders, experts, policymakers and other interested parties together to discuss the museum's viability; a fundraising plan to create an extensive public-private partnership; and a report to Congress detailing a recommended plan of action on how to move forward with taking the museum from concept to reality. All of this will happen within 24 months of being signed into law.
