Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is calling on congressional appropriators to fully fund the National Museum of the American Latino in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. In a letter to Senate and House Appropriations leaders, CHC Members rejected the administration’s proposal to downgrade the project to a scaled-back “center,” stating that it undermines the bipartisan congressional mandate for a world-class Smithsonian museum on the National Mall. “The National Museum of the American Latino was authorized by Congress to tell the full, unapologetic truth of Latino contributions to the American story,” said CHC Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “We cannot allow this critical project to be sidelined or shortchanged. A museum on the National Mall is not only long overdue—it is essential.” "America’s history is not complete without the unique contribution and influence of American Latinos. The museum will tell our story and highlight important voices in our community. Since the museum was approved in 2020, I have worked to preserve and expand it. Full funding is essential—it’s not just a place on the mall that’s at stake, but our place in history," said Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), the CHC's representative on the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Latino. The museum was established by law in 2020 with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump. Earlier this month, members of the Republican-led Congressional Hispanic Conference also sent a letter backing full funding for the museum—demonstrating strong bipartisan agreement on the need to move this institution forward. The CHC emphasized that Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population and have played pivotal roles in shaping every aspect of American life—from military service and labor rights to science, music, and public service. The museum’s strategic vision includes national exhibitions, community outreach, youth internships, artifact collection, and finalizing a site near the Tidal Basin. “Cutting funding now would derail years of progress and deny future generations the opportunity to learn from a more complete and inclusive history,” the letter concludes. The CHC is urging the Committee to restore full funding, support the Smithsonian’s site selection process, and invest in this institution for generations to come. The full letter can be found here. About the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is 43 members strong. The CHC serves as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information, please visit chc.house.gov. ### Para Divulgación Inmediata: Fecha: 30 de junio, 2025 Contacto con los Medios: Rafael Bernal | Rafael.Bernal@mail.house.gov | 202-841-4844 El Caucus Hispano del Congreso Exige Financiar Plenamente el Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense |