María Elvira Salazar: “I rise to speak about bi-partisan legislation I am introducing today. I am proud to be joined by Senator Mel Martinez…”

“I rise to speak about bi-partisan legislation I am introducing today. I am proud to be joined by Senator Mel Martinez, Senator Bob Menendez, and 20 additional Senators from both sides of the aisle. The National Museum of the American Latino Community Commission Act will establish a Commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of the American Latino Community. The Commission members, selected by the President and Members of Congress, will be tasked with studying the impact of such a Museum and the cost of constructing and maintaining a museum, developing a plan of action and a fundraising plan, and proposing recommendations to make the Museum a reality. As we begin our efforts to pass this significant legislation, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to complete their consideration of H.R. 512, the House companion bill, and will pass the bill on the House floor today. It has been a pleasure to working with Representative Xavier Becerra and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who have championed this legislation for several years. I hope to work with the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee to quickly advance the Senate bill, so that we can, at last, move forward. If we are successful in our efforts, I believe we will have done our part to enhance the experience of the millions who visit our Nation's capital every year.”