July 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 129 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1007-E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMISSION TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL CREATION OF A NATIONAL MUSEUM OF 
             ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2019

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the need to weave 
the narrative of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities 
into the greater American story.
  There is no doubt that Asian Americans are the fastest growing 
population in the United States, and our community is becoming an 
increasingly powerful and visible force in all aspects of American 
life. From entertainment to medicine; from academia to 
entrepreneurship; from social justice to innovation--our community has 
made immeasurable contributions to every facet of our nation. But, too 
often, our community is excluded or forgotten in history.
  That is why today, I am introducing the ``Commission to Study the 
Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American 
History and Culture Act''. With the rise of recent exclusionary 
rhetoric and policies, it is crucial to remember our collective past 
now more than ever. The past shapes who we are, and it also strengthens 
how we move forward.

[[Page E1008]]

  From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the Japanese American internment 
camps; from the racially motivated murder of Vincent Chin to the first 
wave of Southeast Asian refugees on our shores--these historical events 
have affected the way we deal with policies today. Nevertheless, these 
stories are often left out of history books. A commission to study the 
potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American 
history is the first step in elevating the AAPI profile and ensuring 
that Americans of all ethnicities and generations can learn about the 
impact our community has had in our nation's values, traditions, 
culture, and history.
  Madam Speaker, I firmly believe the story of Asian Americans and 
Pacific Islanders is sorely misunderstood and creating a national 
museum would ensure that our experiences--both good and bad--are 
recognized by all Americans. Museums are gateways for Americans and the 
world to see the United States' rich history, challenges it overcame, 
and potential for greatness. Establishing this commission is the first 
step toward the creation of a national AAPI museum. I urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation.

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