Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Legislation To Form A Congressional Commission To Create The First National Asian American History And Culture Museum

Washington, D.C. –  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding new legislation that would form a congressional commission to create the first National Asian American History and Culture Museum, marking a huge milestone for our country’s Asian American community. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks which can also be viewed here:

Today, my colleague Senator Hirono, will ask consent to pass important legislation to create a congressional commission on the creation of the first National Asian American History and Culture Museum, right here in the nation’s capital.

I am elated and thrilled to support and vote for this long-overdue step that will help establish one of the greatest museums dedicated solely to telling the story of Asian Americans throughout history. It’s a story that is long-overdue.

Asian Americans, from the country’s founding, have played a role, a giant role, in shaping our country. Much of that history is unknown.

And we see the growing and vibrant Asian community from so many parts of the world, from the Middle East, from South Asia, from East Asia, from Southeast Asia, and everywhere else all coming to America. And working hard, and growing families, and establishing businesses, and making American greater.

With all the bigotry that we have seen and the increase in violence on Asian Americans, we have to rebut the nasty view that some people have. And forming a museum that will show the greatness of this community, past, present and future. It will be so important.

Because from the beginning of our founding, Asian Americans have played a great role in shaping the country. Too much of the history is unknown. Many students never even come across these stories and these lessons in school.

That is disappointing, but it is also why this Asian American History and Culture Museum is important. An Asian American History and Culture museum would celebrate those achievements with all Americans—and the world. And exalt our wonderful, growing, strong, beautiful Asian American community.

I thank Senator Hirono for her work.

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