Meng Testifies About Her Bill Aiming to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum
December 8, 2021
Congresswoman joined by journalist Lisa Ling and STOP AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), alongside journalist Lisa Ling and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung, testified before Congress in support of Meng's legislation that seeks to create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA).
Ling and Jeung joined Meng, who serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, in appearing yesterday before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands where they backed Meng's bill that would establish a commission to examine the feasibility of establishing the museum.
"Thank you to the Natural Resources Subcommittee for holding a hearing on my bill and thanks to Lisa Ling and Dr. Russell Jeung for providing their valuable testimony," said Meng. "Museums create space to memorialize the accomplishments of the past and inspire future generations of the greatness we can achieve. This hearing further underscores the need to build a national museum that tells the story of Asian Pacific Americans. As I've said, our story is the American story, and it's time for more Americans to know and understand all that Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to our country."
Entitled the "Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act," Meng's Bill would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture to look into the viability of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation's capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world's largest museum and research complex.
The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands oversees the management of public lands and national parks.
Meng's testimony can be viewedhere.
Ling's testimony, immediately followed by Jeung's testimony, can be viewed here.
Below is the text of Meng's testimony.
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"Chair Porter, Ranking Member Rosendale, and distinguished members of this Committee, thank you for this opportunity to discuss my bill, H.R. 3525 – the "Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act."
I would like to acknowledge the witnesses, Dr. Theodore Gonzalves, Ms. Lisa Ling, and Dr. Russell Jeung for their time and testimony today. I also want to recognize my colleagues Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Katko and encourage the movement of all of our bills through this hearing.
I come before you today to emphasize why we should establish a national museum dedicated to AAPI history and culture in our nation's capital.
Museums are gateways for Americans and the world to see our country's rich history, the challenges we overcame, and our potential for greatness. They offer space to reflect on the past, present, and future – a collage of all that has transpired and all that we continue to fight for. Indeed, a physical space located in the nation's capital is a powerful image that can inspire our youngest to pursue their dreams while educating visitors on our history. AAPI history is long and storied, and a national museum dedicated to it is overdue.
As long ago as the 1700s, AAPIs have shaped the fabric of our country with contributions to our infrastructure, economy, selfless military service, and so much more. But, too often, our community is excluded or forgotten in history – our American history.
Chinese Americans fought for the Union at the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg during the American Civil War and Japanese Americans comprised the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, which became the most decorated unit in the history of the U.S. Military. While Chinese and Japanese Americans have demonstrated valor and bravery, they have also faced institutionalized disenfranchisement that manifested in U.S. laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and Executive Order 9066 that ordered the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Yet, from the first wave of Southeast Asian refugees on our shores to the Filipino Americans who helped found the farmworker labor movement – AAPIs have left an indelible mark on our American story.
From these Halls of Congress to every American classroom, our AAPI heroes such as Grace Lee Boggs – a human rights activist for seven decades; Larry Itliong – the quintessential leader for labor rights and justice; Dalip Singh Saund – the first Asian American elected to Congress; and Patsy Mink – the first woman of color elected to Congress, and the original champion of Title IX protections in the Higher Education Act, have fought for human and civil rights and social justice with their every breath. Shamefully, these stories are starkly missing from the narrative of American history.
Chair Porter, Ranking Member Rosendale, this commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American history is the first step in elevating AAPI experiences. Our stories provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our rich American history, remember the challenges we have overcome, and step forward in unity.
Thank you again for this opportunity to come before your subcommittee. I ardently hope we can work together to preserve the unique histories of all Americans, including AAPIs, for future generations."