During Hispanic Heritage Month in 2003, Representative Xavier Becerra introduced legislation that, when his ultimate dream was realized, would establish a museum in the nation’s capital to educate visitors from around the world about the history, culture, and art of the American Latino community. As his co-author on 2007’s H.R. 512, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen shares his belief that national museums should reflect the whole of America.

The bill, unanimously passed by the House of Representatives on February 6, 2007, establishes a commission to explore the museum’s viability, develop a fundraising plan for a public-private partnership, and report to Congress with a plan for taking the museum from concept to reality.

The first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen serves Florida’s 18^th Congressional District and is the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. She earned her B.A. in Education and Masters in Educational Leadership from Florida International University and Doctorate of Higher Education at the University of Miami. To support the dreams of our future leaders, Representative Ros-Lehtinen voted to reduce interest rates on student loans, ensuring attainable education for all.