House Passes Meng Legislation to More than Triple Federal Funding for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) that would more than triple federal funding for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC).

Established in 1997, APAC works to increase the public’s appreciation for the heritage and history of Asian Pacific Americans. It also works to empower Asian Pacific American communities by increasing their sense of inclusion within America’s national culture. The facility accomplishes these goals through exhibitions, programs, and research. APAC is part of the Smithsonian Institution located in Washington, D.C. – the world’s largest museum and research complex – that consists of 19 museums and galleries and a national zoological park. It is administered by the United States government.

Meng’s measure, an amendment to the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 5538), would increase federal funding for APAC by $300,000, which would be in addition to private funds that the facility also uses to operate. The additional federal money would be used to pay the salaries and benefits for an associate program director, curator for Asian Pacific studies, and an education coordinator, positions that are presently vacant due to limited funds.

“I am pleased to have secured this extra and important funding for the Asian Pacific American Center,” said Meng. “Using these additional dollars to hire individuals for critical and needed positions will further enhance this outstanding facility and allow it to remain a leading voice on the Asian Pacific American experience. The money will also enable APAC to host events in cities across the country to empower Asian Pacific American communities and promote America’s Asian Pacific heritage. I thank my colleagues in the House for supporting my amendment, and I urge the Senate to now follow suit.”

The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides annual funding for the U.S. Interior Department and federal programs and agencies related to the environment such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The money would be appropriated for fiscal year 2017 which begins in October.

Click the following link to view APAC’s website. https://smithsonianapa.org/.