Group Still Seeking a Smithsonian Latino Museum

A group that wants to build a national museum of Latino American history in Washington as part of the Smithsonian Institution is providing an update on its work.

Two years ago, a presidential commission called for the creation of a Smithsonian American Latino Museum. But the effort has stalled in Congress.

The group Friends of the American Latino Museum has been raising money for an advocacy effort to urge Congress to authorize such a museum. A bill passed through the Senate but is awaiting action in the House.

Actress Eva Longoria has been a leading proponent of the museum effort, along with producer Emilio Estefan.

In 1994, a Smithsonian report entitled "Willful Neglect" found Hispanics were the only major contributor to American civilization not permanently recognized at the museum complex.