Friends of the American Latino Museum views this move to block bipartisan legislation to honor American history as shameful

Washington, DC — Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) opposed the movement to approve the National Museum of the American Latino Act (H.R. 2420) by unanimous consent. The legislation would create the long-overdue museum on the National Mall. 

The Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS), the only organization dedicated to advocating for a National Latino Museum, issued the following statement:

“We are incredibly disappointed with Senator Mike Lee’s insultingly dismissive, condescending and misguided decision to block our bill to establish a National Museum of the American Latino to commemorate and celebrate over 500 years of American Latino history and contributions to the American story. Our bill passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent with more than 290 bipartisan cosponsors this summer; and has support from 46 cosponsors from both parties in the Senate, as well. 

Latinos across the nation have waited far too long to be represented on the National Mall, and it is disgustingly cruel to make them wait even longer. Latinos, throughout history, have endured, fortified, and overcome countless obstacles. We will continue to do so and will fight to ensure our stories, a critical component of the American story, are told for generations within the halls of our nation’s top institutions. Latinos have made our country what it is today and Senator Lee’s opposition to our bipartisan bill to establish a place of reflection on the history, culture, and contributions of Latinos nationwide is incredibly disheartening, but we stand ready to continue our efforts for this important missing piece of the fabric of our nation.”