Building the Smithsonian American Latino Museum (House Bill) (H.R. 1217)

What is H.R. 1217?

(Updated March 15, 2018)

This bill would establish the Smithsonian American Latino Museum in the Smithsonian Institution. The museum would be house in the Smithsonian's Art and Industries Building (AIB) and would include an underground annex. Planning and construction would be done by the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior. New facilities would be required to be constructed in a "manner that is harmonious with, and protects the open space and visual sight lines of, the National Mall."

Argument in favor

Bipartisan. Widespread support from the Hispanic community.

Argument opposed

A final cost for construction of the museum remains unclear.

Impact

The bill impacts the construction of a national museum that reflects native and foreign-born Latinos' role in American history and culture.

Cost of H.R. 1217

According to the Los Angeles Times, a "special commission of presidential and congressional appointees reported two years ago that the American Latino museum was feasible, estimating costs of $609 million or $402 million, split evenly between federal funding and private donations." No dollar amount is included in the bill's text. The above Countable cost reflects the two possible amounts ($609 and $402 million, respectively) averaged and then halved, to reflect only taxpayer cost. (The same commission estimated that it would cost $47 million per year to operate the museum, once it was built, with the federal government covering 40% of that cost. )

Additional Info

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