Senate Passes Bill Establishing a Commission to Study Creation of National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill brought to the floor by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) establishing a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Amid a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, the creation of such a museum would help promote understanding about Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities and their many contributions to American history and culture. The bill previously passed in the House, where it was introduced by Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), and now goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

“Asian and Pacific Islander American communities have made significant contributions to American life. But despite these undeniable contributions, our communities have largely been excluded or erased from American history,” Senator Hirono said in her floor remarks on the bill. “If not invisible, APIA groups are often pejoratively depicted as foreigners, instead of people who have lived in and positively contributed to this country for generations. These narratives have fueled xenophobia and racism contributing to decades of racist laws and discrimination. And most recently led to a rise in attacks and hate-related incidents against our communities. A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture would help combat these harmful narratives by sharing APIA history on an unprecedented scale, and we should consider whether or not such a museum would be feasible. With this bill, we can demonstrate our commitment to showcasing the significant contributions that APIA have made to this country.”

Specifically, the bill establishes an eight-person commission, appointed equally by House and Senate Majority and Minority leadership,  comprised of individuals with deep expertise in the research, study, and promotion of Asian Pacific American history, museum administration, and other relevant fields. The commission would be responsible for submitting a report with recommendations to the President and Congress on the potential creation of a museum. Congress would then need to act on those recommendations to establish the museum.

Congress has previously established other similar museums. In 2003, Congress passed a law to create the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In 2020, Congress passed legislation to create a National Museum of the American Latino.

Senator Hirono’s full floor remarks in support of the bill are below, and video of her remarks is available here.

As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we have an opportunity to pass meaningful legislation to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture.

This bill is straightforward. It establishes an eight-person commission appointed equally by House and Senate Majority and Minority leadership. The commission will be comprised of individuals with expertise in the research, study, and promotion of Asian Pacific American history and museum administration. This commission would submit a report with recommendations to the President and Congress, at which point it would be our responsibility to act on those recommendations.

Asian and Pacific Islander American communities have made significant contributions to American life. But despite these undeniable contributions, our communities have largely been excluded or erased from American history.  If not invisible, APIA groups are often pejoratively depicted as foreigners, instead of people who have lived in and positively contributed to this country for generations.

These narratives have fueled xenophobia and racism contributing to decades of racist laws and discrimination. And most recently led to a rise in attacks and hate-related incidents against our communities.

A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture would help combat these harmful narratives by sharing APIA history on an unprecedented scale, and we should consider whether or not such a museum would be feasible. With this bill, we can demonstrate our commitment to showcasing the significant contributions that APIA have made to this country.

To better understand how the Chinese Exclusion Act, Executive Order 9066 which led to the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, and decades of racist laws contribute to the APIA experience today.

The establishment of this kind of museum should not be controversial—and it has been done before with the National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of the American Latino.

These museums represent progress. They help us better understand one another and our shared history as Americans. Now, we have a chance to build on that progress by creating a commission to study a similar museum to highlight the history and legacies of APIA individuals and communities in this country.

This bill symbolizes an important step towards an America that celebrates and encourages the rich diversity of her people. I hope my colleagues can join me in passing this legislation without delay.

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