Bill Overview
Title: Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act
Description: This bill establishes a Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. The commission must (1) report recommendations for a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture in Washington, DC; (2) develop a fundraising plan to support the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the museum through public contributions; (3) obtain an independent review of this fundraising plan, including an analysis of the resources necessary to fund the construction of the museum and its operations and maintenance in perpetuity without reliance on federal funds; and (4) submit a legislative plan of action to establish and construct the museum. The commission may convene a national conference relating to the museum. The commission shall be solely responsible for acceptance of contributions to it and payment of its expenses. No federal funding may be obligated to carry out this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals interested in Asian Pacific American history and culture
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill aims to establish a National Museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American History and Culture, thus directly affecting those who identify as Asian Pacific Americans.
- Approximately 20 million people identify as Asian or Pacific Islander in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data.
- The museum would also impact educators, historians, cultural enthusiasts, and students interested in Asian Pacific American history and culture globally.
- Tourists and visitors to Washington, D.C., who are interested in diverse cultural and historical museums might be influenced by this museum's formation.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific cultural group within the U.S., namely Asian Pacific Americans. There are approximately 20 million people in the U.S. who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander. This is a relatively small segment of the overall U.S. population of over 330 million people.
- The policy depends heavily on private fundraising, as there is no federal budget allocated for this project. This limits immediate large-scale structural impacts but allows for a more inclusive approach based on the community's willingness and ability to fund the museum project.
- The museum could have a significant cultural and educational impact, as it aims to preserve and celebrate Asian Pacific American history, potentially affecting educators, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists.
- The wellbeing scores are based on perceived cultural representation and access to historical resources, which may significantly improve for those in the target group but remain unchanged for others.
- Given the cultural and educational focus of the policy, the duration of impact is likely long-term, as establishing such a museum could solidify cultural influences and improve wellbeing over decades.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having a museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history is very important. It affirms our cultural identity.
- This museum could be a pivotal educational resource, especially for future generations to learn about their heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
University Professor of Asian Studies (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The museum is an excellent idea. It would serve as a vital resource for my research and my students.
- Preserving our history is crucial, and I hope this museum will inspire many.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
College Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always felt a strong interest in my Asian Pacific heritage, and a museum could really help me connect more deeply.
- It could also be a great place for other students to learn and grow in their understanding of cultural history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Museum Curator (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A national museum would definitely enhance cultural appreciation and recognition, which is much needed.
- It might even create collaborative opportunities for us at the local level.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Non-profit Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s an ambitious project and much needed for awareness.
- I have concerns about the reliance on private funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
School Teacher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would love to see resources that I can bring into my classroom.
- This museum could become a critical educational tool for us in schools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Historian (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Creating such a museum is very important for historical narratives and representation.
- It should be a landmark project that inspires more inclusive museums around the world.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Travel Blogger (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such a museum would add great value to both locals and tourists visiting D.C.
- It highlights untold stories and represents cultures vibrantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Dallas, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this museum as important for cultural celebration but question its financial viability.
- Would love to see events that could tie in business and culture sectors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 70 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s heartwarming to think that there could finally be a museum dedicated to our histories and stories.
- I hope it manages to cover the diversity and depth of our cultures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The commission is directed to be financially independent, supported by private contributions, which minimizes direct fiscal exposure of the government.
- Impact analysis is contingent on the success of private fundraising efforts.
- The potential cultural significance of such a museum may indirectly affect perceptions and educational outcomes around Asian Pacific American history.