Contact Congress about S. 1304: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act

The Latino museum could be placed in a highly visible part of the National Mall. The bill also tells the museum how to use a wide mix of Latino voices in exhibits and report that work to Congress.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Latest action on S. 1304: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects the Smithsonian, the future museum, federal agencies that control possible sites, and Hispanic and Latino communities whose stories the museum will tell. Visitors could also be affected because the museum may be placed in a more central and visible area of Washington, D.C.

Why this matters: The bill could decide where the Latino museum is built and how visible it is to visitors in Washington, D.C. A site in the Reserve would put it near major national museums and monuments. The bill could also shape which voices guide the museum's exhibits and programs. Its final effect will depend on the site chosen and how museum leaders apply the rules.

Key provisions in S. 1304

• The Latino museum could be built in the Reserve, the central protected area of the National Mall. That area is defined in federal law at 40 U.S.C. 8902(a).
• The bill removes older wording that limited where the museum could be built. That change is made to the federal law section that governs the museum's site options.
• The Smithsonian Board of Regents would have to notify any federal agency that controls land chosen for the museum. That must happen before the land can be used.
• The agency that controls the chosen site would have to tell specific House and Senate committees. The notice must come promptly after the Smithsonian picks a site under that agency's control.
• After giving notice, the agency head would have to transfer control of the land or building to the Smithsonian. The bill says this must happen as soon as practical.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 1304

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 1304

What is S. 1304?

The Latino museum could be placed in a highly visible part of the National Mall. The bill also tells the museum how to use a wide mix of Latino voices in exhibits and report that work to Congress.

How do I support or oppose S. 1304?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 1304?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 1304 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.