National Museum of the American Latino could become reality. Newhouse a co-sponsor

Legislation that would establish a museum dedicated to the culture, arts and history of American Latinos has passed the U.S. House with the help of Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.

He was an original co-sponsor of the bill, which would establish the National Museum of the American Latino within the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Efforts to start the museum have been ongoing for 20 years.

The bill next goes to the U.S. Senate, where it has bipartisan support, according to The Associated Press.

“Growing up in Central Washington, I have experienced firsthand how Latino and Hispanic cultures are deeply integrated in our communities and how their contributions have made us a greater nation,” Newhouse said in a statement after the bill passed the House on a voice vote this week.

The proposed museum will “finally highlight and celebrate the many contributions of our Latino neighbors” and demonstrate that Americans cherish their unity and diversity, he said.

The bill would establish a board to help guide the Smithsonian’s creation of the museum. It also would authorize a 50% federal match to privately raised money for design and construction costs.

Grants would be available for scholarships and to help local American Latino museums.

The bill passed by the House was modeled after legislation that successfully established the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM.