Rep. John Lewis Applauds Mall Location for Museum

Rep. John Lewis was delighted to hear that the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution determined to follow the leading recommendation of the Presidential Commission to locate the site on the National Mall. Congressman Lewis worked for 15 years to gain passage of the bill that would authorize the museum. He submitted legislation in every session of Congress to establish the museum, and the bill finally passed the House in 2001. It was signed into law in December of 2003. A prestigious founding council has been chosen to lead the efforts to build the museum, and today, after much speculation, a prominent site was chosen to house the museum.