The bill was sponsored by Congresswoman Grace Meng, who represents the sixth congressional district of New York, and was passed by the House just days ahead of the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been pivotal in contributing to the growth and prosperity of our nation since its founding,” Meng said. “We have helped make the United States the greatest country in the world, but unfortunately many remain unaware of the crucial role we’ve played throughout our history. It’s time for that to change and creating a national museum would ensure there is a physical space to commemorate and share our story with future generations.”

If plans for the proposed museum work out as envisioned, it would join the planned American Women’s History Museum and the recently approved National Museum of the American Latino.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016 as one of the latest additions to D.C.'s National Mall — 13 years after Congress approved its creation and fifty years after the commission to study the possibility of the museum was first formed in 1966.