WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation backed by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) that will help create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans. The House passed this bipartisan bill as the nation prepares to honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month next month, and the legislation will now head to the Senate.

“A critical part of North Jersey’s strength is our proud Asian American and Pacific Islander community, which works every day to make the Fifth District an even better place to live, raise our families, and do business. I’m incredibly proud that the House of Representatives has now come together, with both Democrats and Republicans, to honor the history and culture of Asian American communities from North Jersey and nationwide,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It is high time that the critical history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is fully recognized, promoted, exhibited, and celebrated.”

The Gottheimer-backed bipartisan bill will establish a commission to:

• Report recommendations for a plan of action on the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture;
• Develop a fundraising plan to support the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the museum through public contributions;
• Obtain an independent review of this fundraising plan, including an analysis of the resources necessary to fund the construction of the museum and its operations and maintenance without reliance on federal funds;
• Report on the availability and cost of acquiring collections for the museum, identify potential locations for the facility in Washington, D.C., and determine its regional impact on other related museums; and
• Submit to Congress a legislative plan of action on whether to and how to establish and construct the museum.

The commission created by this bipartisan bill will have 18 months to complete the full study.

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