Press Room, Author at National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission

Read: Letter from Co-Chairs Dr. Jay Xu and Ms. Chiling Tong on the Commission’s First Eight Months

Dear friends,

As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission’s remarkable first eight months and the collective momentum we have built together. Since our ceremonial swearing-in at the Library of Congress in June, our bipartisan, congressionally appointed Commission has begun the critical work of assessing the feasibility of establishing the first national museum dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture. We are deeply grateful for your support and proud of the meaningful progress we have made together.

In October, we launched a national listening tour to connect with community leaders, scholars, and cultural experts across the country. To date, we have visited New Jersey, Louisiana, and Northern California, gathering hundreds of oral and written public comments on how a potential future museum can best capture the depth, complexity, and richness of the Asian Pacific American experience. We look forward to visiting additional states in the new year and to deepening our engagement with communities across the country as our work continues.

We are also pleased to announce that SmithGroup – an award-winning, multi-national firm recognized for its expertise in research-driven design, advanced technologies, and data-informed planning – has been selected to support our evaluation of potential museum locations and associated costs. Their analysis will help inform our final report that will be delivered to Congress and the President in October 2026.

This progress would not be possible without the generosity of our donors and partners. This effort represents a rare moment to shape how Asian Pacific American histories are preserved and shared for generations to come. As we conclude the year, we invite you to consider making an end-of-year contribution to sustain this important momentum.

DONATE NOW

Thank you for being a part of this important journey. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year. With your continued support, 2026 will mark a defining moment as we work toward congressional authorization of a national museum that honors the history, achievements, and lasting impact of Asian Pacific Americans.

Sincerely,

Jay Xu
Co-Chair

Chiling Tong
Co-Chair

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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

Established by the 117th Congress, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture is charged with delivering to the President and Congress a comprehensive plan of action that will lay the groundwork for Congressional authorization of a museum in Washington, D.C. dedicated to honoring the achievements, progress, and lasting impact of Asian Pacific Americans. To learn more about the Commission’s work, visit nationalapamuseum.org or contact commission@nationalapamuseum.org.

Press Room In Statements & Releases

National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission Celebrates First Eight Months, Previews 2026 Listening Tour Stops

Members of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture participate in a ceremonial swearing in at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

In the new year, commissioners are set to connect with community leaders and experts in New York, Southern California, Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, Texas, Washington, D.C., and more.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 8, 2025, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture was formally launched to explore the creation of the first national museum dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture. Established by Congress through Public Law 117-140, the bipartisan Commission has begun engaging Asian Pacific American community leaders, experts, and institutions nationwide to create a roadmap for the authorization and planning of a potential museum–including site selection, projected costs, and operational considerations. The Commission’s work will culminate in October 2026 with the submission of a final report to Congress, the President, and the American people.

Read highlights of the Commission’s efforts during its first eight months:

LAUNCHING A NATIONAL LISTENING TOUR: In October 2025, the Commission launched its first regional convening to invite community leaders and experts to provide input on what a future museum could look like, and shape how the nation honors Asian Pacific American history and culture. The Commission will expand its national listening tour in 2026, with stops in New York, Southern California, Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington, D.C., and more.

October 9, 2025: The inaugural stop in the Commission’s listening tour was Princeton, New Jersey, with a convening co-hosted with Princeton Public Schools. The event brought together roughly 80 scholars, students, and regional leaders to share their reflections on how to best capture the depth and richness of the Asian Pacific American experience.

November 18, 2025: The Commission held its second regional convening and listening session in San Francisco, California, which was co-hosted by the Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. The event was emceed by Emmy award-winning journalist and author Dion Lim, and featured updates from Commission Co-Chair Dr. Jay Xu and the Honorable Michelle Steel. Executive Director Krystal Kaʻai Hetherington, along with the Commissioners, also addressed audience questions on community priorities and the Commission’s ongoing initiatives. More than 150 attendees from throughout Northern California, including the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, and Sacramento, gathered to provide public comment.

November 18, 2025: The Commission also hosted an in-depth roundtable event with more than 25 leaders in New Orleans, Louisiana. Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith shared updates on behalf of the Commission, and local leaders and scholars discussed key priorities, including the preservation of endangered Asian Pacific American heritage sites and engagement with emerging APA populations.

ENGAGING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS: The Commission has met with local, state, and federal elected officials across the country to build the Commission’s national visibility and discuss funding and outreach strategies to support its work.

In April, Commissioners met in the U.S. Capitol with Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), who authored the legislation to create the bipartisan commission. Commissioners also met with the Honorable Elaine Chao–18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, and the first Asian American woman appointed to a President’s Cabinet–who has been a strong supporter of efforts to build the museum.

In September, Commissioners met with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in the U.S. Capitol, and held additional meetings with congressional members, including Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20).

In November, Commission Co-Chair Chiling Tong and the Honorable Rodney Davis met with leaders of the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators—a bipartisan network of more than 200 state lawmakers spanning 38 states—in Washington, D.C.

MEETING COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHERE THEY ARE: In addition to stops on the Commission’s national listening tour, individual commissioners are also connecting with diverse communities from coast-to-coast through various events.

On May 12 and 13 during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith and Executive Director Krystal Ka’ai Hetherington spoke at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership Summit and Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.
On July 24, Commission Co-Chairs Jay Xu and Chiling Tong, Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith, and the Honorable Rodney Davis spoke at the International Leadership Foundation Leadership and Business Conference in Washington, D.C.
On July 29, the Commission met virtually with Asian Pacific American museum heads, cultural centers, and scholars.
On September 5, Commission Co-Chair Jay Xu participated in an armchair dialogue during the Center for Asian Pacific American Women’s 30th Anniversary Conference in San Francisco, California.
On September 18 and 19, Commission Co-Vice Chair Joanne Kwong and Commissioner Kevin Kim spoke at the National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship’s Annual Conference in New York City.
On October 4, Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith spoke at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Asian American Cultural Center’s 20th Anniversary in Urbana, Illinois.
On October 21, commissioners spoke at The Asian American Foundation’s (TAAF) event, “Celebrating America’s Past, Advancing America’s Future” in Washington, D.C.
On November 10, Commission Co-Chair Chiling Tong spoke at the Friends of the National APA Museum’s Veterans Day Event in Washington, D.C.
On November 14, Commission Co-Vice Chair Joanne Kwong spoke at the Friends of the National APA Museum and Asia Society’s special screening of “Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story” in Houston, Texas.
On November 16, Commission Co-Chair Chiling Tong delivered a keynote address during the International Leadership Foundation’s Denver Chapter Event in Denver, Colorado.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR A FUTURE MUSEUM: As part of its congressional mandate, the Commission is tasked with evaluating possible locations and costs for a potential National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Commissioners have been consulting with community leaders and experts, regional museums, academic institutions, historical societies, and cultural organizations to develop recommendations on establishing, funding, and maintaining a future museum.

In April, the Commission toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture and met with Smithsonian Institution leaders to draw inspiration for its efforts.

In June, the Commission toured potential site locations, including the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building.

In December, the Commission participated in a visioning workshop with SmithGroup, which included a full day of planning, discussion, and a walking tour of potential site locations in Washington, D.C.

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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

Press Room In Statements & Releases

National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission Expands Listening Tour With California and Louisiana Events

Commissioners convene 150+ community leaders and experts to gather public input on what a national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture could look like.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, the bipartisan Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture hosted convenings in Northern California, and New Orleans, Louisiana. These events–part of a national listening tour that began last month in Princeton, New Jersey–brought together hundreds of regional leaders as the Commission continues to assess the feasibility of establishing the first national museum dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture.

On November 17, the Commission held a convening in San Francisco co-hosted by the Chinatown Media & Arts Collaborative, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. The event was emceed by Dion Lim, Emmy award-winning journalist and author, and featured updates from Commission Co-Chair Dr. Jay Xu and the Honorable Michelle Steel. Executive Director Krystal Kaʻai Hetherington, along with the Commissioners, also addressed audience questions on community priorities and the Commission’s ongoing initiatives. More than 150 attendees from throughout Northern California, including the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, and Sacramento, gathered to provide public comment.

The following day, the Commission hosted an in-depth roundtable event with more than 25 leaders in New Orleans, Louisiana. Commission Co-Vice Chair Tina Wei Smith shared updates on behalf of the Commission, and local leaders and scholars discussed key priorities, including the preservation of endangered APA heritage sites and engagement with emerging APA populations.

Established by Congress in 2022 and publicly launched in June 2025, the Commission is currently collecting input from community members, experts, and institutions to inform its final report to the President and Congress on what a future museum could look like. Members of the public can submit written comments at any time and track updates through the Commission’s website, newsletter, and on social media at @apamuseum.

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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

Press Room In Statements & Releases

National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission Kicks Off Listening Tour to Gather Community Input

Bipartisan commission invites community leaders and experts to participate in convenings across the country to shape how the nation honors Asian Pacific American history and culture.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This month, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture launched its national listening tour, beginning with a regional convening in Princeton, New Jersey on October 9, 2025. The event brought together roughly 80 scholars, students, and regional leaders to share their reflections on how a future museum could best capture the depth and richness of the Asian Pacific American experience.

The bipartisan Commission–established by Congress in 2022 and formally launched in June 2025–is charged with studying the feasibility of a national museum dedicated to honoring the history and culture of Asian Pacific Americans. The Princeton event marks the first in a series of regional convenings that will take place across the country in the coming months, offering community members, experts, and institutions the opportunity to provide their input on what a future museum could look like.

Members of the public unable to attend an in-person convening will be able to submit written comments at any time through an easy-to-use digital form and track updates from the Commission through its website, newsletter, and on social media at @apamuseum.

Written and oral comments will form the basis for the Commission’s final report to the President, Congress, and the American people in October 2026 outlining a comprehensive plan for establishing, funding, and maintaining a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. The Commission extends its gratitude to everyone who participated in its first convening, to Princeton Public Schools for hosting the event, and to the community leaders, students, and volunteers who made it possible.

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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

Press Room In Statements & Releases

Ceremonial Swearing-In at Library of Congress Marks Official Start of National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission

Landmark event kicks off bipartisan effort to explore the creation of a national museum in Washington, D.C. dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture held a ceremonial swearing-in of its congressionally appointed members at the Library of Congress, formally launching its mandated mission to assess the feasibility of establishing the first national museum dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture.

Established by Public Law 117-140 (H.R. 3525) on June 13, 2022, the bipartisan Commission is charged with delivering a report to the President and Congress that will lay the foundation for the possible creation of a national museum.

Over the coming months, the Commission will engage the Asian Pacific American community nationwide, consulting with leading experts and institutions, and assessing key considerations–including site locations in our nation’s capital, costs, and operations of the future museum.

“From the founding of our nation, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made invaluable contributions to our country and shaped America for the better. This history deserves to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come,” said Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng, who introduced H.R. 3525. “That is why a national museum dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying our rich history is long overdue. I am proud to lead the Congressional effort to establish the first national museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, and today’s convening represents an important step toward this goal. I am grateful to each of the Commissioners for their service and I look forward to working with the Commission to create this national museum.”

“A national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture would not only preserve and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to the building of America today,” said the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, and the first Asian American woman appointed to a President’s Cabinet. “It is to educate, inspire, and foster greater understanding of the Asian Pacific Americans community, especially during these times of increasing anti-Asian sentiments, violence and discrimination. And most importantly, this Museum would bring all Americans closer together—by showing how our stories intersect and how much we share in common.”

“Today’s ceremony marks an important step in our effort to fulfill the vision laid out by Congress and develop a thoughtful, community-informed roadmap for a potential museum,” said Commission Chair Dr. Jay Xu. “We are honored to serve on this Commission and look forward to engaging with experts and community members across the country to examine how to bring to life a national institution that truly reflects the richness of the Asian Pacific American experience.”

“For generations, countless Asian Pacific Americans have helped shape this country,” said Commission Chair Chiling Tong. “This Commission represents a powerful opportunity to ensure their contributions are preserved, celebrated, and shared with future generations.”

The bipartisan Commission includes eight members appointed by the Speaker and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the U.S. Senate. The Commissioners, who were selected for their leadership in public service, museum development, and community engagement, include:

Dr. Jay Xu (California), Chair – Director Emeritus, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
Chiling Tong (Maryland), Chair – President and CEO, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship
Joanne Kwong (New York), Vice Chair – President, Pearl River Mart
Tina Wei Smith (Kentucky), Vice Chair – Former Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Dennis Cheng (New York) – Former Deputy Political Director, The White House
The Honorable Rodney Davis (Illinois) – Former U.S. Representative (IL-13)
Kevin D. Kim (New York) – Former Commissioner, New York City Department of Small Business Services
The Honorable Michelle Steel (California) – Former U.S. Representative (CA-45)

Today, the Commission also announced that Krystal Ka‘ai Hetherington will serve as its Executive Director. Ka‘ai Hetherington brings a wealth of experience to the Commission, having previously served as Executive Director of both the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Through listening sessions and convenings, the Commission will invite broad participation from the Asian Pacific American community to explore how a museum could best serve the nation. Commissioners will also consult with community leaders and experts, regional museums, academic institutions, historical societies, and cultural organizations to develop recommendations on establishing, funding, and maintaining a museum in the nation’s capital. The Commission’s work will conclude with the delivery of a final report to the President, Congress, and the American people outlining a plan for a future museum.

Members of the public will be able to track updates from the Commission through its new website (nationalapamuseum.org) and on social media at @apamuseum.

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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

Press Room In Statements & Releases

National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission Names Krystal Ka‘ai Hetherington as Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture announced that Krystal Ka‘ai Hetherington will serve as its Executive Director.

Ka‘ai Hetherington brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the bipartisan, congressionally appointed Commission, where she will oversee its work to deliver a landmark report to the President and Congress on the feasibility of creating a museum in the nation’s capital dedicated to preserving Asian Pacific American history and culture.

Prior to joining the Congressional Commission, Krystal made history when she was appointed by President Joe Biden as the first Native Hawaiian to serve as Executive Director of the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. She previously served as Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) for nearly a decade and held prior roles with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the State of Hawaii’s Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation.

“Krystal is a trailblazer whose deep understanding of public policy and unwavering commitment to Asian Pacific American communities make her uniquely suited to lead this historic effort,” said Commission Chairs Dr. Jay Xu and Chiling Tong. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we engage communities across the country and help lay the foundation for a national museum that will illuminate the rich and diverse experiences of Asian Pacific Americans as an essential part of the American story.”

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About the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

Press Room In Documents

Read: Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act

From Congress.gov:

Public Law 117-140
117th Congress

An Act

To establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a
National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, and for
other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act”.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

(a) In General.—There is established the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture (hereafter in this Act referred to as the “Commission”).

(b) Membership.—The Commission shall be composed of 8 members, of whom—

(1) 2 members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;

(2) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(3) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; and

(4) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

(c) Qualifications.—Members of the Commission shall be appointed to the Commission from among individuals, or representatives of institutions or entities, who possess—

(1)(A) a demonstrated commitment to the research, study, or promotion of Asian Pacific American history, art, political or economic status, or culture; and

(B)(i) expertise in museum administration;

(ii) expertise in fundraising for nonprofit or cultural institutions;

(iii) experience in the study and teaching of Asian Pacific American history;

(iv) experience in studying the issue of the representation of Asian Pacific Americans in art, life, history, and culture at the Smithsonian Institution; or

(v) extensive experience in public or elected service;

(2) experience in the administration of, or the planning for, the establishment of, museums; or

(3) experience in the planning, design, or construction of museum facilities.

(d) Deadline for Initial Appointment.—The initial members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

(e) Vacancies.—A vacancy in the Commission—

(1) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and

(2) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

(f) Chairperson.—The Commission shall, by majority vote of all of the members, select 1 member of the Commission to serve as the Chairperson of the Commission.

(g) Prohibition.—No employee of the Federal Government may serve as a member of the Commission.

SEC. 3. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

(a) Reports.—

(1) Recommendations. Plan of action.—The Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report containing the recommendations of the Commission with respect to a plan of action regarding the feasibility of establishing and maintaining a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture in Washington, DC, and its environs (hereafter in this Act referred to as the “Museum”).

(2) Report on issues.—The Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report that addresses the following issues:

(A) The availability and cost of collections to be acquired and housed in the Museum.

(B) The impact of the Museum on existing Asian Pacific American history-related museums.

(C) Consultation. In consultation with the Smithsonian Institution, develop criteria for evaluating possible locations for the Museum in Washington, DC, and its environs.

(D) The feasibility of the Museum becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution, taking into account the Museum’s potential impact on the Smithsonian’s existing facilities maintenance backlog, collections storage needs, and identified construction or renovation costs for new or existing museums.

(E) The governance and organizational structure from which the Museum should operate.

(F) Best practices for engaging Asian Pacific Americans in the development and design of the Museum.

(G) The cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the Museum.

(3) Deadline.—The reports required under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be submitted not later than the date that is 18 months after the date of the first meeting of the Commission.

(b) Fundraising Plan.—

(1) In general.—The Commission shall develop a fundraising plan that will address the ability to support the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the Museum through contributions from the public.

(2) Considerations.—In developing the fundraising plan under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider issues relating to funding the operations and maintenance of the Museum in perpetuity without reliance on appropriations of Federal funds.

(3) Independent review.—The Commission shall obtain an independent review of the viability of the plan developed under paragraph (1) and such review shall include an analysis as to whether the plan is able to achieve the level of resources necessary to fund the construction of the Museum and the operations and maintenance of the Museum in perpetuity without reliance on appropriations of Federal funds.

(4) Submission.—The Commission shall submit the plan developed under paragraph (1) and the review conducted under paragraph (3) to the Committees on House Administration, Natural Resources, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Rules and Administration, Energy and Natural Resources, and Appropriations of the Senate.

(c) Legislation To Carry Out Plan of Action.—Based on the recommendations contained in the report submitted under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Commission shall submit for consideration to the Committees on House Administration, Natural Resources, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Rules and Administration, Energy and Natural Resources, and Appropriations of the Senate recommendations for a legislative plan of action on the feasibility of establishing and constructing the Museum.

(d) National Conference.—Not later than 18 months after the date on which the initial members of the Commission are appointed under section 2, the Commission may, in carrying out the duties of the Commission under this section, convene a national conference relating to the Museum, to be comprised of individuals committed to the advancement of the life, art, history, and culture of Asian Pacific Americans.

SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

(a) Compensation.—

(1) In general.—A member of the Commission—

(A) shall not be considered to be a Federal employee for any purpose by reason of service on the Commission; and

(B) shall serve without pay.

(2) Travel expenses.—A member of the Commission shall be allowed a per diem allowance for travel expenses, at rates consistent with those authorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.

(3) Gifts, bequests, and devises.—The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money, services, or real or personal property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission.

(4) Federal advisory committee act.—The Commission shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).

(b) Termination.—The Commission shall terminate on the date that is 30 days after the date on which the final versions of the reports required under section 3 are submitted.

(1) In general.—The Commission shall be solely responsible for acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, the Commission.

(2) Prohibition.—No Federal funds may be obligated to carry out this Act.

(d) Director and Staff of Commission.—

(1) Director and staff.—

(A) In general.—The Commission may employ and compensate an executive director and any other additional personnel that are necessary to enable the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.

(B) Rates of pay.—Rates of pay for persons employed under subparagraph (A) shall be consistent with the rates of pay allowed for employees of a temporary organization under section 3161 of title 5, United States Code.

(2) Not federal employment.—Any individual employed under this section shall not be considered a Federal employee for the purpose of any law governing Federal employment.

(3) Technical assistance.—

(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (B), on request of the Commission, the head of a Federal agency may provide technical assistance to the Commission.

(B) Prohibition.—No Federal employees may be detailed to the Commission.

SEC. 5. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled “Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation” for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Approved June 13, 2022.

Press Room In Statements & Releases

Bill Signed: H.R. 3525

From the White House:

On Monday, June 13, 2022, the President signed into law:

H.R. 3525, the “Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,” which establishes a Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Thank you to Representatives Meng, Chu, and Matsui, and Senators Duckworth and Hirono, as well as the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, for their work.